Ivy Geranium: How to Grow, Care for, and Use Ivy Geraniums Successfully
Ivy geraniums are popular trailing plants prized for their cascading growth, glossy ivy-shaped leaves, and long-lasting summer flowers. Botanically known as Pelargonium peltatum, ivy geraniums are tender perennials most commonly grown as annuals in the UK, where they excel in hanging baskets, window boxes, and raised containers.
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Geraniums (Pelargoniums) are classic, colourful garden and patio favourites that bloom all summer long with the right care.
• Geranium Seed Collection (Mixed & Fragrant Varieties)
A varied seed pack of garden and scented geraniums — perfect for sowing early under cover to grow on for summer displays.
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• Geranium Plug Plants / Young Geraniums
Healthy young plants ready to plant out into borders, containers, or hanging baskets for immediate colour.
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• Geranium Compost / Flowering Plant Compost
Rich, well-draining compost that gives geraniums the nutrients and drainage they need for strong root growth and abundant blooms.
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• Geranium Feed & Fertiliser
Plant food formulated to support continuous flowering — feed regularly during the growing season for best results.
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• Decorative Pots & Planters for Geraniums
Attractive outdoor pots and containers that complement geranium blooms — perfect for patios, windowsills, and balconies.
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This complete guide explains what ivy geraniums are, how they differ from other geraniums, where to grow them, and how to care for them so they flower abundantly all season.
What Is an Ivy Geranium?
An ivy geranium is a type of pelargonium with a naturally trailing habit and smooth, fleshy leaves shaped like ivy. Unlike upright zonal geraniums, ivy geraniums spill gracefully over the edges of containers, making them ideal for vertical interest and softening hard edges.
Key characteristics include:
- Trailing or cascading growth
- Smooth, waxy, ivy-shaped leaves
- Single or double flowers
- Excellent tolerance of sun and wind
They are sometimes called trailing geraniums or ivy-leaved geraniums.
Ivy Geranium vs Zonal Geranium
Although closely related, ivy geraniums and zonal geraniums have distinct differences.
Ivy Geraniums:
- Trailing habit
- Smooth leaves
- Best for baskets and window boxes
- More tolerant of wind
Zonal Geraniums:
- Upright growth
- Soft, hairy leaves with dark zones
- Best for pots and bedding
- Less wind tolerant
Choosing the right type depends on where you want to grow them.
Types of Ivy Geraniums
Ivy geraniums are available in a wide range of colours and flower forms.
Single-Flowered Ivy Geraniums
- Five-petalled flowers
- Excellent weather resistance
- Less affected by rain
Double-Flowered Ivy Geraniums
- Rose-like, layered blooms
- Very decorative
- Slightly more sensitive to prolonged wet weather
Colours include red, pink, white, lilac, salmon, purple, and bi-colours.
Are Ivy Geraniums Perennial?
Ivy geraniums are tender perennials.
- They cannot survive frost outdoors in the UK
- Commonly grown as annuals
- Can be overwintered indoors
With winter protection, the same plants can be kept for several years.
Where to Grow Ivy Geraniums
Ivy geraniums thrive in containers.
Best locations include:
- Hanging baskets
- Window boxes
- Raised planters
- Balcony containers
They are particularly effective when planted high, allowing stems to trail freely.
Light Requirements
- Prefer full sun
- Will tolerate light shade
- More sun equals more flowers
At least 6 hours of sunlight per day is ideal for best flowering.
Soil and Compost Requirements
Ivy geraniums need:
- Free-draining compost
- Moderate fertility
- Containers with good drainage
Avoid heavy or waterlogged compost, which can lead to root problems.
Watering Ivy Geraniums
Correct watering is essential.
- Water when the top of the compost feels dry
- Do not allow pots to sit in water
- Reduce watering in cool or wet weather
Ivy geraniums cope better with slight dryness than constant moisture.
Feeding Ivy Geraniums
To maintain continuous flowering:
- Start feeding once plants are established
- Use a high-potash liquid feed
- Feed weekly during the growing season
Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which promote leaves over flowers.
When Do Ivy Geraniums Flower?
Ivy geraniums flower:
- From late spring
- Through summer
- Until the first autumn frosts
With regular deadheading and feeding, flowering can last for many months.
Deadheading and Maintenance
Regular maintenance improves performance.
- Remove spent flower heads completely
- Cut back leggy growth
- Encourage branching by pinching tips
This keeps plants tidy and flowering strongly.
Do Ivy Geraniums Need Support?
No. Their natural trailing habit means:
- No staking is required
- Stems spill naturally over edges
- Ideal for high containers
Wind exposure rarely damages them due to flexible stems.
Common Problems with Ivy Geraniums
Poor Flowering
- Not enough sun
- Overfeeding with nitrogen
- Lack of deadheading
Yellow Leaves
- Overwatering
- Poor drainage
- Cold conditions
Pests
- Aphids
- Whitefly
Good airflow and correct watering prevent most issues.
Can Ivy Geraniums Be Grown Indoors?
Ivy geraniums can be grown indoors short-term.
- Best in very bright rooms
- Useful for overwintering
- Flowering is reduced indoors
They perform best outdoors during the growing season.
Overwintering Ivy Geraniums
Ivy geraniums can be overwintered to save plants for next year.
How to Overwinter
- Bring plants indoors before frost
- Place in a bright, frost-free area
- Reduce watering significantly
- Do not feed during winter
Plants can be pruned back in spring to encourage fresh growth.
Propagating Ivy Geraniums
Ivy geraniums are easy to propagate.
Taking Cuttings
- Take cuttings in late summer
- Use healthy, non-flowering shoots
- Root in free-draining compost
- Keep warm and lightly moist
Cuttings produce identical plants and root reliably.
How Long Do Ivy Geraniums Live?
- Treated as annuals outdoors
- Can live for several years if overwintered
- Best displays are from young, vigorous plants
Many gardeners replace plants every year for maximum impact.
Are Ivy Geraniums Worth Growing?
Yes. Ivy geraniums are valued because they are:
- Easy to grow
- Long-flowering
- Excellent for vertical displays
- Wind tolerant
- Reliable in summer containers
Few plants perform as consistently in hanging baskets.
Final Thoughts: Ivy Geranium
Ivy geraniums are outstanding trailing plants that combine glossy foliage with months of colourful flowers. Ideal for baskets, window boxes, and raised containers, they thrive in sun, tolerate wind, and require minimal maintenance.
With correct watering, regular feeding, and basic care, ivy geraniums will reward you with cascading growth and vibrant colour from late spring until the first frosts.