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Pelargonium peltatum 'Crocodile'

Image of Pelargonium peltatum 'Crocodile'

Mark A. Miller

Family

Geraniaceae

Botanical Name

Pelargonium peltatum 'Crocodile'

Plant Common Name

Crocodile Geranium, Ivy-leaved Geranium

General Description

Bright green, yellow-veined leaves and pretty pink blooms make ‘Crocodile’ shine; it is grown as much for its variegated foliage as for it flowers. It is one of numerous cultivars and selections of ivy-leaved geranium, a trailing tender evergreen perennial from coastal regions of South Africa.

Plants bear fleshy, scalloped, five-lobed leaves on long lax stems. The leaves are netted with creamy veins. Clusters of shell-pink blooms with magenta eyes are borne on branching stems in late spring and summer. The fruit is a capsule shaped like a stork's beak.

This tender perennial does best in cool sun and fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. In hot climates give it several hours of midday and afternoon shade. Water thoroughly when the soil surface feels dry. Enjoy this fine plant in containers, hanging baskets, and mixed borders. It is lovely cascading down a sunny wall. In colder climates it can be brought indoors to overwinter.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    10 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    10 - 13

  • Sunset Zone

    8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tender Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m

  • Width

    18"-36" / 45.7cm - 91.4cm

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer

  • Native To

    South Africa

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Prostrate/Trailing

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Pink, Magenta

  • Fruit Color

    Green, Tan

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Light Green, Light Yellow, Ivory

  • Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Light Green, Light Yellow

  • Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Light Green, Light Yellow, Ivory

  • Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Light Green, Light Yellow, Ivory

  • Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    Yes

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    No