Ivy-leaved pelargonium is a low-maintenance, tender perennial grown as an annual or a houseplant. It is in the geranium family (Geraniaceae). It is native to the Cape region of South Africa. The specific epithet is Latin for “peltate” or “sheild-shaped” and describes the way the petiole attaches to the center of the leaf blade, rather than the margin. Ivy-leaved pelargonium requires full sun and soils that are well-drained. Once established, plants are drought-tolerant, but they grow better with moderate moisture. Plants in containers may be allowed to dry out between waterings. In insufficient light, plants become leggy and bloom poorly. Stem cuttings may be taken from July to August and grown under glass or in a sunny window until the danger of frost has passed. Plants can be overwintered indoors or in a cool greenhouse. Indoors, if they have adequate light, the plants can be kept growing with regular watering. Always provide adequate air circulation to prevent foliar diseases. These plants are trailing and are best displayed in a hanging basket or in a container on a pedestal or wall. Flowers of ivy-leaved pelargoniums may be single, semi-double or double and are most commonly red, pink or white. The plant blooms throughout the warm months until frost. Frequent deadheading and pinching out growing tips will encourage more blooms. Ivy-leaved pelargonium is a popular plant for hanging baskets and containers. They make good houseplants, if the light is adequate. Quick ID Hints: Flowers in umbel-like clusters on an elongated peduncle Leaves reniform to orbicular, and peltate, lobed like English ivy (Hedera helix) Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems : Susceptible to caterpillars, spider mites, mealybugs, fungal diseases and bacterial diseases. More information on Pelargonium .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheBegonia 'Argenteo-guttata'Begonia scharffianaPelargonium x hybridum
Bacterial Leaf Spot on Greenhouse Ornamentals; Southern Bacterial Wilt on Herbaceous Ornamental Plants; Botrytis Blight of Greenhouse Ornamentals
Problems
Problem for Cats; Problem for Dogs; Problem for Horses
Propagation
Stem Cutting
Poison severity
Low
Poison parts
Leaves
Poison symptoms
Vomiting, anorexia when consumed in quantity. Primarily GI upset, but also ataxia, muscle weakness, depression or hypothermia in larger exposures. Cats are most sensitive. Contact (allergic) dermatitis is mild.