Scientific Name
Pelargonium peltatum (L.) L'Hér.
Common Name(s)
Ivy-leaved Geranium, Ivy-leaf Geranium, Ivy Geranium, Cascading Geranium, Hanging Geranium
Synonym(s)
Dibrachya clypeata, Dibrachya peltata, Geraniospermum lateripes, Geraniospermum peltatum, Geranium peltatum, Pelargonium lateripes, Pelargonium × peltatum
Scientific Classification
Family: Geraniaceae
Genus: Pelargonium
Flower
Color: Pink
Bloom Time: Spring and early summer
Description
Pelargonium peltatum is a climbing semi-succulent perennial trailing through other trees and shrubs in its habitat. It has long straggling shoots reaching up to 6.5 feet (2 m). Its ivy-shaped leaves characterize this plant. Some leaves have distinctive zonal markings, but this is not a common characteristic.
The inflorescence is an umbel of 2 to 9 pink flowers with five dark-streaked or marked petals, each up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long. The plant blooms mainly in spring and early summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Work organic compost into high-quality container potting soil that contains ingredients such as peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. Use this compost/soil mixture to fill pots for your Pelargoniums. Good drainage is essential to Pelargoniums, so choose containers with adequate drainage holes. If your Pelargoniums are already in pots, spread organic compost lightly on the soil surface and work in, taking care not to dig up the plant's roots.
Choose locations getting direct sun for most Pelargoniums. They need at least six hours of sun daily. Martha Washington and Regal types prefer a shady site in the afternoon. All Pelargoniums need afternoon shade if your area regularly sees summer temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius).
Feed your Pelargoniums every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Buy fertilizer that dissolves in water for easier application. Every third watering, add Epsom salts — magnesium sulfate — to the plant water — 1 teaspoon per 1 gallon — to provide magnesium. Or, add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil mix when you plant the geraniums in the pot — it feeds them all season.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Pelargonium.
Origin
This species is native to southern Africa, particularly South Africa.
Links
- Back to genus Pelargonium
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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