Ivy Leaf Geranium: How to Grow, Care for, and Get the Best from Ivy-Leaved Geraniums
Ivy leaf geranium is the common name for Pelargonium peltatum, a trailing pelargonium prized for its glossy, ivy-shaped leaves and long-lasting cascades of flowers. These plants are a staple of hanging baskets, window boxes, balconies, and raised containers, offering colour and movement from late spring right through to the first frosts.
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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 leaf geraniums are, how they differ from other geranium types, where to grow them, and how to care for them so they flower heavily all summer.
What Is an Ivy Leaf Geranium?
An ivy leaf geranium is a tender pelargonium with a naturally trailing or cascading habit. The leaves are smooth, fleshy, and shaped like ivy, giving the plant a cleaner, glossier look than upright (zonal) geraniums.
Key features include:
- Long, trailing stems
- Smooth, waxy, ivy-shaped leaves
- Single or double flowers
- Excellent tolerance of wind and sun
Despite the common name, ivy leaf geraniums are not true geraniums but pelargoniums.
Ivy Leaf Geranium vs Zonal Geranium
Ivy leaf geraniums are often compared with zonal geraniums, but they are grown for very different purposes.
Ivy Leaf Geraniums:
- Trailing growth habit
- Best for baskets and window boxes
- Smooth leaves
- More wind tolerant
Zonal Geraniums:
- Upright growth
- Best for pots and bedding
- Soft, slightly hairy leaves with dark zones
- Less suitable for exposed sites
Choosing the right type makes a big difference to performance.
Types of Ivy Leaf Geraniums
Ivy leaf geraniums come in a wide range of colours and flower forms.
Single-Flowered Varieties
- Five-petalled flowers
- Better resistance to rain
- Ideal for exposed positions
Double-Flowered Varieties
- Rose-like, layered blooms
- Very decorative
- Slightly more sensitive to prolonged wet weather
Colours include red, pink, white, salmon, lilac, purple, and bi-colours.
Are Ivy Leaf Geraniums Perennial?
Ivy leaf geraniums are tender perennials.
- They will not survive frost outdoors in the UK
- Usually grown as annuals
- Can be overwintered indoors
With winter protection, the same plants can be kept for several years.
Where to Grow Ivy Leaf Geraniums
These plants are ideal for containers where their trailing habit can be fully appreciated.
Best locations include:
- Hanging baskets
- Window boxes
- Balcony planters
- Raised containers
Planting them high allows stems to cascade freely and evenly.
Light Requirements
- Prefer full sun
- Will tolerate light shade
- More sunlight = more flowers
Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for best results.
Soil and Compost Requirements
Ivy leaf geraniums need:
- Free-draining compost
- Moderate fertility
- Containers with good drainage holes
Avoid heavy or water-retentive compost, which can cause root problems.
Watering Ivy Leaf Geraniums
Correct watering is essential.
- Water when the top of the compost feels dry
- Avoid letting pots sit in water
- Reduce watering during cool or wet weather
Ivy leaf geraniums cope better with slight dryness than constant moisture.
Feeding Ivy Leaf Geraniums
To keep plants flowering strongly:
- Start feeding once plants are established
- Use a high-potash liquid fertiliser
- Feed weekly throughout the flowering season
Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which encourage leaves at the expense of flowers.
When Do Ivy Leaf Geraniums Flower?
Ivy leaf geraniums typically flower:
- From late spring
- Throughout summer
- Until the first autumn frosts
With regular feeding and deadheading, flowering is continuous.
Deadheading and General Care
Routine maintenance improves both appearance and performance.
- Remove spent flower heads completely
- Trim back excessively long or untidy stems
- Pinch tips to encourage branching
This keeps plants compact and full.
Do Ivy Leaf Geraniums Need Support?
No support is required.
- Stems trail naturally
- Flexible growth resists wind damage
- Ideal for exposed sites
They are among the most reliable basket plants in windy locations.
Common Problems
Poor Flowering
- Too little sunlight
- Overfeeding with nitrogen
- Irregular feeding
Yellow Leaves
- Overwatering
- Poor drainage
- Cold conditions
Pests
- Aphids
- Whitefly
Good airflow and sensible watering prevent most issues.
Can Ivy Leaf Geraniums Be Grown Indoors?
They can be kept indoors short term.
- Best in very bright positions
- Useful for overwintering
- Flowering indoors is usually limited
They perform best outdoors during the growing season.
Overwintering Ivy Leaf Geraniums
Ivy leaf geraniums can be overwintered successfully.
How to Overwinter
- Bring plants indoors before the first frost
- Place in a bright, frost-free area
- Reduce watering significantly
- Stop feeding until spring
Plants can be cut back lightly in spring to encourage fresh growth.
Propagating Ivy Leaf Geraniums
Propagation is easy and reliable using cuttings.
Taking Cuttings
- Take cuttings in late summer or early autumn
- Use healthy, non-flowering shoots
- Allow cut ends to dry for a few hours
- Insert into free-draining compost
Cuttings root quickly and produce identical plants.
How Long Do Ivy Leaf Geraniums Live?
- Usually treated as annuals outdoors
- Can live several years if overwintered
- Best displays come from young, vigorous plants
Many gardeners replace plants annually for maximum impact.
Are Ivy Leaf Geraniums Worth Growing?
Yes. Ivy leaf geraniums are valued because they are:
- Easy to grow
- Long-flowering
- Ideal for baskets and window boxes
- Wind tolerant
- Reliable performers in summer displays
They offer excellent colour with minimal maintenance.
Final Thoughts: Ivy Leaf Geranium
Ivy leaf geraniums are outstanding trailing plants that combine glossy foliage with months of vibrant flowers. Perfect for baskets, window boxes, and raised containers, they thrive in sun, cope well with wind, and require only basic care.
With correct watering, regular feeding, and simple winter protection, ivy leaf geraniums will reward you with cascading growth and colour from late spring until autumn.