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Pelargonium peltatum

Image of Pelargonium peltatum

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Geraniaceae

Botanical Name

Pelargonium peltatum

Plant Common Name

Ivy-leaved Geranium

General Description

A summertime gem, ivy-leaved geranium is a trailing tender evergreen perennial noted for its leathery, ivy-like, bright green leaves and numerous colorful flower clusters. It comes from coastal areas of the Cape Region of South Africa.

Plants bear fleshy, deep green, five-lobed leaves on long lax stems. The leaves are often marked with dark blotches or pale venation. Two- to nine-flowered clusters of red, orange, pink, salmon, lavender or white blooms appear in spring or summer on branching stems. Single flowers have five petals; double flowers may have several times that number. Flowers may bear contrasting blotches or striping.

Ivy-leaved geranium 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

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    10 - 15

  • Sunset Zone

    8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tender Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm

  • Width

    18"-36" / 45.7cm - 91.4cm

  • Bloom Time

    Indeterminate

  • 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

    White, Red, Orange, Pink, Rose, Salmon, Burgundy, Lavender, Orange Red

  • Flower Color Modifier

    Bicolor

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • 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

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

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

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    No