Pelargonium peltatum aka Ivy Geranium

Pelargonium peltatum has two names: ivy geranium and hanging geranium. It belongs to Geraniaceae, the geranium family. This South African plant comes from the Cape region. Records also place it in KwaZulu-Natal and eastern Transvaal. It grows in coastal scrub and on dry, rocky hillsides. This tender, evergreen plant lives for more than one year. It has a bushy form with shoots that trail. Gardeners also grow it as an annual or houseplant.

Plants grow fast, with low shoots that spread and trail. The RHS gives height and spread as 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Plants reach this size in one to two years. The light green leaves are fleshy, smooth, and lobed. Their pointed lobes give them a shape like ivy. Each leaf stalk joins within the blade, not its edge. Leaves grow in turn along the stem, not in pairs. They may show rings of darker colour. They measure 0.08–0.25 feet [0.025–0.076 metres] across.

The RHS lists single pink flowers for this species. NC State also lists white, red, and two-colour blooms. Flowers may be single, semi-double, or double. They grow in groups on long stalks above the leaves. Plants bloom through the warm months, until frost comes. The flowers draw pollinators, which carry pollen between blooms. They suit baskets and window boxes. Brown seed cases, called capsules, form after the flowers. Each fruit measures less than 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] long. Plants also serve as annual ground cover in beds.

Give this plant sun and rich soil that drains well. It copes with some shade but blooms less in poor light. The RHS accepts sand, loam, clay, and chalk soils. Neutral to alkaline soil suits it. Once plants take root, they can cope with drought. They grow better when the soil stays moist, but not wet. Water less in winter; let pot soil dry between drinks. Keep plants free from frost; the RHS rates them H2. NC State lists USDA zones 9b–10b. Remove dead flowers and pinch shoot tips to boost bloom. Take softwood cuttings from spring through autumn to make new plants.

Pests include caterpillars, mites, and mealybugs. Thrips, whitefly, and vine weevil also attack plants. Rust, viruses, leafy gall, and diseases from bacteria can occur. Good airflow helps curb leaf disease. PFAF lists sour leaves and buds as edible vegetables. It also records astringent uses, which draw body tissues tight. Other uses include essential oil and blue dye from petals. Yet NC State warns of poisoning in people and pets. Eating leaves can cause vomiting and loss of appetite. Larger exposures can cause weakness and loss of control over movement. Cats are most sensitive. Contact may cause mild dermatitis, a form of skin rash.