Members only
Unlock the Plant Library
Care guides for 220+ plants: light, water, soil, pets, seasonal calendars and troubleshooting. Enter the password from your welcome email to get in.
Plant Profiles / Ivy geranium
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Ivy geranium
Pelargonium peltatum · Trailing geranium
Glossy ivy-shaped leaves and clusters of pink, red, mauve or white flowers on trailing stems all summer.
Full sunLight
Every 2–3 days in summerWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
6+ hours of sun.
Water
Every 2–3 days in summer
DryWet
Water when the top is dry.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Dry air suits it.
Temperature
5–35°C (41–95°F)
CoolWarm
Protect from frost.
Growth
Moderate, trailing
SlowFast
Trails to 1 m.
Soil
Quality potting mix
LeanRich
Free-draining mix.
Fertiliser
Fortnightly
RarelyOften
Bloom fertiliser.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Toxic to cats and dogs.
About this plant
From South Africa, ivy geraniums are classic balcony plants in Europe. They flower for months in sun and tolerate dry spells.
Best spots
Window boxes, balcony railings and hanging baskets.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Pelargonium peltatum |
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Plant type | Trailing perennial |
| Mature size | Trails 1 m |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Flowers | Clusters in many colours |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Plant
Flowering
Prune
Fertilise
PlantFloweringPruneFertilise
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Corky leaf bumps | Oedema from overwatering. |
| Few flowers | More sun. |
| Leggy | Pinch back. |
| Budworm | Hand pick or treat. |
Common questions
Is it pet safe?
No.
Does it trail?
Yes.
Is it drought tolerant?
Fairly.
Do I deadhead?
Yes, for more flowers.
