Ivy geraniums, also known as pelargonium peltatum, are a type of trailing flowering houseplant that is known for its vibrant colors and showy flowers that bloom from spring to fall. To tell if you have ivy geraniums, look for small two or three lobed leaves that are dark green with white-gray veins.
The stems are thin, semi-woody, and the plant has a cascading habit that makes it perfect for hanging baskets or growing along a trellis. The flowers of an ivy geranium come in shades of bright red, white, yellow, and pink.
Some varieties may have a mix of colors. An easy way to tell if you have an ivy geranium is to look for a five-petaled star shape in the center of each flower. Lastly, some varieties of ivy geraniums may have a spicy scent similar to that of oranges or lemons.
Do ivy geraniums spread?
Yes, ivy geraniums spread quickly. These vigorous plants can grow up to 3 feet in length and have trailing stems that can easily cascade down walls, hanging baskets, and containers. When kept in suitable conditions, they will often flower all through the summer and reproduce by rooting cuttings from their stems.
They are also prolific self-seeding plants that quickly spread in the garden and can become a nuisance if not monitored and pruned or cut back regularly.
How tall do ivy geraniums get?
Ivy geraniums, also referred to as trailing or cascading geraniums grow to an average height of 8 to 12 inches tall. The more compact types, however, typically range from 4 to 6 inches tall. When left to their own devices in raised beds, ivy geraniums can trail up to 3 feet.
They usually have a slightly spread-out look and with their leaves spilling over the container for an inviting look. They create a dramatic effect when planted in containers on a balcony or patio since they drape and twist around the space instead of growing straight up.
Do ivy geraniums come back every year?
No, ivy geraniums are typically annual plants meaning they only live one season and do not come back in future years. Ivy geraniums may be propagated and re-planted year after year, but they are not perennial plants and do not survive the winter.
They are typically started from seeds or as young plants that can be purchased from nurseries in the spring. As summer comes to an end, the ivy geranium plant is typically replaced with fall or winter season plants.
Is ivy geranium annual or perennial?
Ivy geranium is an annual plant. However, if you treat it well (such as deadheading blooms and giving it plenty of light and water), it can re-bloom for a season or two. The full botanical name is Pelargonium peltatum.
Ivy geraniums are well-known for their trailing habit and prolific blossoms, and they come in a wide variety of colors such as white, pink, lavender, and red. They like to be planted outdoors, in a sunny spot, after all danger of frost has passed; however, they can also be grown indoors and in hanging baskets.
In ideal conditions, they can even become perennial, but this is not common.
Where do you pinch off geraniums?
Geraniums should be pinched off at the stem just above a leaf. This will encourage the stem to become bushier and create more flowers. When pinching off the stem, be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears to minimize injury to the plant.
If more than one stem is being pinched off, it is best to pinch off the older, longer stems first. To encourage the geranium to really fill out, remove a third of the stems when pinching off to maintain healthy plant growth and promote a higher rate of blooming.
Why is my ivy geranium not blooming?
There could be several reasons why your ivy geranium is not blooming. Factors such as light, water, and fertilizer can all affect flowering. Too little light may lead to fewer flowers, while too much light can actually prevent flowering completely.
Watering too much or too little can both prevent blooming, so keep your ivy geranium’s soil evenly moist. Lastly, fertilizing correctly is important, as too little fertilization can mean fewer flowers.
Look for a fertilizer specific to flowering plants. Make sure to follow the directions, as too much fertilizer could prevent blooms from forming.
Which geraniums grow in shade?
First it is important to understand the difference between full shade and partial shade. A full shade area typically does not receive any direct sunlight at all; conversely, a partially shaded spot is likely to receive about 4 hours or less of direct sunlight per day in spring and summer.
Some varieties of geraniums that can tolerate full shade conditions include the “Geranium nodosum” and the “Grand Canyon” type. The Geranium nodosum is a low-growing plant with variegated green and white leaves and pink, yellow, or blue flowers.
This type of geranium can grow into a lush carpet in shady areas and requires consistent drainage. The “Grand Canyon” type geranium is a trailing perennial that can reach up to 3 feet in length and produces bright red or magenta flowers in the summer.
For partially shaded areas, varieties like the” Cinnamon Red Hots” or the “Sunrise” types can do well. The “Cinnamon Red Hots” geranium blooms in vibrant shades of red and orange and can grow to approximately 18 inches tall.
The “Sunrise” geranium has green and white variegated foliage and produces beautiful apricot-colored flowers in the summer.
Other options for both full and partial shade include the “Wilderness” type, which has deep green leaves and rose-colored flowers, and the “Stormy Skies” geranium, which has vivid blue-violet blooms with bright yellow centers.
No matter which type of geranium you choose, make sure to provide enough water, adequate drainage, and partial or full shade depending on your variety. With the right conditions, you can enjoy beautiful blooms throughout the spring and summer months.
Can geraniums get too much sun?
Yes, geraniums can get too much sun. Too much direct sunlight can cause the plants to become stressed and can cause the leaves to become sunburned or discolored, which is usually indicated by brownish or yellowing leaves.
The length of sunlight that geraniums can tolerate depends on the variety, with some being able to withstand more sunlight than others. Generally, geraniums that are grown as houseplants should be placed in a location that has access to bright, indirect sunlight.
If you are growing your geraniums outdoors, it’s best to give them some midday shade during the hottest part of the day to help the plants stay healthy.
Are ivy geraniums the same as trailing geraniums?
No, ivy geraniums and trailing geraniums are not the same. Ivy geraniums, also known as pelargonium peltatum, have rounded, dark green leaves and produce bright, almost neon, blossoms in an array of colors.
They are cold hardy as well, making them perfect for either indoors or outdoors. Trailing geraniums, or pelargonium cucullatum, are related to ivy geraniums, and also feature red, pink, or white blossoms.
Trailing geraniums, however, tend to have a more slender, lacy leaf shape and they produce more of a “weeping” habit with their stems, rather than the full, rounded look of the ivy geranium. Trailing geraniums are also more drought tolerant than their ivy geranium cousins, which means they require less water and may survive in height temperatures than the ivy geranium.
Are ivy geraniums good for hanging baskets?
Yes, ivy geraniums make excellent choices for hanging baskets. Ivy geraniums can be a great addition to your outdoor space, bringing a lush and lush look to a patio or porch area. These plants have thick, trailing vines that can provide a full, cascading effect when planted in a hanging basket.
Ivy geraniums are well-suited for hanging baskets because they’re easy to take care of and require less frequent watering than other hanging basket varieties. Plus, they’ll continue to flower throughout the summer if they’re given enough sun and water.
They can also be relatively low-maintenance since they’re quite resilient and can tolerate some droughts. They’re also highly tolerant of a wide range of temperatures and can often live through the winter months in some climates.
Lastly, they’re available in a wide variety of colors, so you can create a beautiful hanging basket with ivy geraniums to match your outdoor decor.
Is there a trailing geranium?
Yes, there is a trailing geranium plant. Trailing geraniums are a type of geranium that have stems that drape down and create a cascading effect when grown in baskets or other containers. The plants typically form a mound and produce vibrant, saucer-shaped blooms that come in shades of pink, white, purple, and red.
These plants are easy to grow and prefer being planted so that the stems can drape down over the edge of the container. When cared for properly, trailing geraniums will thrive in either full sun or partial shade and bloom from spring to fall.
Will ivy geraniums climb?
Yes, ivy geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum) are a type of climbing geranium, and have trailing stems with small, ivy-like leaves. They are often referred to as ivy-leaf geraniums, and are usually grown as houseplants or in hanging baskets.
The stems of the ivy geranium can grow up to 3 feet long, making them an ideal choice for a climbing-type plant. The stems of the ivy geranium have the ability to “root” where it touches a surface. This means that the ivy geranium can actually climb a wall or trellis if it is provided with small nails or string to help it grip the surface.
Ivy geraniums flower best with full sun, but they will still bloom in partial shade. They also need plenty of soil moisture and warm, humid conditions. When properly cared for, ivy geraniums can provide fast, colorful coverage of any wall or trellis!.
What do trailing geraniums look like?
Trailing geraniums are a type of decorative flowering plant that is often grown in gardens and pots. They have long, graceful stems that trail along the ground and often have large, brightly colored flowers.
Depending on the variety, the flowers may be pink, red, white, or a mix of colors. The leaves of trailing geraniums typically have three to five lobes and are slightly hairy. The plants are relatively low-maintenance and can survive in temperatures as low as 25°F.
Trailing geraniums are a great choice for hanging baskets and window boxes, as they can fill them up with an abundance of vibrant bloom.
When should I prune my ivy geraniums?
The best time to prune your ivy geraniums is in the late spring or early summer. It’s important to prune them before they start to produce flowers, as pruning later in the season can reduce flowering.
Begin by removing brown or yellowing leaves, as this will help the plant focus its energy on healthy growth. Next, remove any spindly, woody growth or shoots that do not contain leaves. Prune the plant back by about one-third, cutting back the stems to a mini lateral shoot or the main framework of the plant.
This will encourage branching and a more fuller look. Finally, deadhead the flowers when they start to fade. This will help prolong their flowering season and prevent them from going to seed. All of these steps will help maintain a healthy, well-trimmed ivy geranium and encourage it to bloom throughout the summer months.
How many trailing geraniums do I need for a hanging basket?
The number of trailing geraniums you need for a hanging basket largely depends on the size of the basket. For a smaller basket, three or four plants should provide enough foliage. If the basket is larger, you might opt for four to six geraniums, depending on the variety you choose.
Trailing geraniums generally have sprawling growing habits, so you will need to ensure there is enough space in the basket for all of the plant’s shoots and foliage. Generally, plants should not be touching each other.
If your geraniums get overcrowded, simply thin them and replant the extras to create more fullness in other areas.
How do you keep ivy geraniums over winter?
Ivy geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum) are a hardy perennial and can be kept over the winter months in colder climates. In places with a milder climate, they may even be left outdoors during the evenings and nights.
To keep Ivy Geraniums over winter, the following steps should be taken:
1. If the plant is in a pot, move it inside to a location that receives indirect light and has temperature levels somewhere between 55 and 65°F.
2. Cut the plant back by about one-third its size; this will encourage the plant to become bushy and promote strong growth in the spring.
3. Water regularly but lightly. Do not let the soil dry out completely, but be careful not to overwater.
4. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer at half the recommended strength every other month.
5. Prune off any dead leaves or branches to promote healthy growth.
6. To help prevent fungus, keep a fan running in the area to help increase airflow.
7. In colder regions, cover the plant with a frost-proof cloth if the temperature drops below 32°F; however, be sure to check the temperature before covering, as nighttime temperatures may dip lower than the daytime temperature.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your ivy geraniums will survive the winter and return in the spring with strong growth.
Should you cut back ivy geraniums?
It is generally recommended to cut back ivy geraniums if they are growing too large or becoming overgrown. If left uncut, ivy geraniums can become thick and unwieldy. Pruning can help to encourage new growth and create a healthier, more attractive plant.
To prune ivy geraniums, remove leggy or overgrown stems at the base, cutting just above a leaf node. If stems are longer than 8 inches, you can snip off the top inch or two. This will encourage new growth and keep the plant from becoming too wild.
Additionally, removing spent blooms will also help to ensure continual flowering. If the ivy geraniums are healthy and not too large, it may not be necessary to prune them back. However, pruning can help to encourage a more manageable and attractive plant.
How many years do geraniums live?
Geraniums, also known as Pelargonium, are perennials and can live for many years in ideal conditions. Geraniums that are grown indoors do not typically live more than 5 to 7 years, while outdoor varieties can last up to 10 years in cool climates and up to 20 years, or even longer, in warmer climates.
It is important to care for your geraniums, including providing proper light, soil and watering, to ensure that the plants are at their best, as proper care will help the geraniums to last the longest.
To extend their life, geraniums should also be regularly trimmed, propagated, and divided.