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Scientific classification

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Geraniaceae

Order

Geraniales

Genus

Pelargonium

Species

peltatum

Key information

Description

Ornamental herbaceous plant with a hanging or semi-hanging habit and vigorous growth. It offers luxuriant flowering with bright, vibrant colours throughout the spring-summer period and, in some varieties, also during the early autumn period. Appreciated by green technicians, landscape architects and gardeners at all levels of experience, it is considered a very versatile species, thanks above all to its elegant flowering, which makes it suitable for settings and outdoor spaces that enhance its decorative appearance by forming light patches of colour, interspersed with green foliage, even in compositions with other species.

Variety description

An easy-to-manage plant, it is suitable for cold cultivation, preferably after 2-3 weeks' rooting in warm weather (t>14°c). Due to its vigour and long re-flowering it is the king of hill and mountain balconies due to its flowering in dense, long-flowering cushions. Thanks to its simple flower, it is self-cultivating and can therefore also be used in landscaped, low-maintenance flower beds. If sheltered in winter, it becomes usable for several years.

Origin and history

Curiosities and special features

The generic epithet, Pelargonium, derives from the Greek word palergos meaning 'stork' in reference to the shape of the fruits visible on the plant after flowering; the common name, ivy geranium, derives from the shape of the leaf blade, similar to that of ivy.

Origin and distribution

Belonging to the botanical family Geraniaceae, which includes around 800 species native to the subtropical and tropical zones of the world, there are around 270 species of the genus Pelargonium, native to southern, eastern and north-eastern Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Pelargonium peltatum, from which many hybrids are derived, was brought to the Netherlands in the 1700s while in 1774 the royal gardener Sir Frances Masson introduced it to Britain from where it then spread throughout Europe as a plant for ornamental use.

Main features

Flower size

The flower individually is average in final size compared to other varieties of the same species.

Leaf

Leaf has a palmately lobed lamina.

Flowering period

It has a long flowering period, from mid-spring to mid-autumn lasting from 160 to 200 days, allowing us to admire its bright and vibrant flowers for almost three seasons.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence umbrella.

Leaf colour

Solid colour tone.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.3 to 0.5 m, making it ideal for creating homogeneous monochromatic groups or for mixed compositions with other ornamentals of different development.

Lifespan

Its life span in nature is polyannual, but in common use it is cultivated and generally used as an annual plant although, in temperate climates, it can withstand winter if sheltered.

Where to plant

Due to its vigorous Growth and abundant flowering, it is considered an ideal plant for settings such as balconies, terraces, outdoor tubs, hanging baskets, planters

Stem

The stem is herbaceous and the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, medium-sized form with a dialipetal corolla and plain petals. It is arranged in medium-sized umbel inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to mid-autumn, with a flowering period of 160 to 200 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Medium to vigorous Growth, it develops beautiful and abundant flowerings if appropriately cultivated.

Plant habit

With its typical hanging Plant habit, it is suitable for decorating planters and pots.

Branching

Variety whose branching, i.e. the tendency to form several side branches resulting in a well-formed, richly vegetated plant, is average with a well-proportioned ratio of leaves to flowers.

Growing conditions

PH

For ivy geranium, the optimal pH of the Soil/medium is sub-acidic, between a minimum value of 5.8 and a maximum value of 6.5.

Soil preparation

In spring, before transplanting into a flower bed, carry out 20/30 cm deep digging to remove any weeds and bulky stones, then bury organic or slow release chemical fertiliser, which will provide the necessary nutrients in the first phase following planting. Continue by breaking up the coarser clods to ensure greater softness and finally carefully level the surface.

Sun exposure

Suitable for exposure in half shade, full sun, bright shade.

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature is between 5 and 34 °C. The ideal temperature is between 14 and 22 °C.

Use

Due to its vigorous growth and long flowering period, it is widely appreciated as a plant for use in
Outdoor ornamental Landscaping

Hardiness

Variety of medium hardiness.

Soil

For planting in flowerbeds and gardens, a light, medium-textured or sandy soil is ideal; for use in tubs and planters, a substrate for spring plants containing peat and perlite is recommended.

Difficulty

A variety that is easy to grow and maintain, the level of management effort required is low, which adds value to the plant.

Growing tips

For optimum vegetative growth and abundant flowering, consider the following cultivation aspects:

Avoid over-watering Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures Requires regular abundant fertilisation

Combinations with other plants

It is possible to create compositions with balanced, height-proportioned colour tones with other ornamentals such as Euphorbia hypericifolia, Helichrysum petiolare, Lobelia erinus, Lobularia x hybrida, Petunia x hybrida, Plectranthus coleoides, Sanvitalia speciosa, Verbena x hybrida or by combining different varieties of Pelargonium peltatum to create an elegant and scenic colour scheme.

Care and plant health

Planting

For planting in flowerbeds we recommend an average density of 12 plants per square metre in order to ensure proper development of the root and aerial apparatus of each specimen, thus obtaining a harmonious and proportionate final composition. We suggest placing each seedling with the collar outside the soil surface, taking care not to damage the roots and avoiding completely sinking the root balls, which must be well moistened; finally, water immediately after planting, preferably during the morning hours.

Propagation

It can be easily multiplied, even as a hobby, by cuttings, taking portions of a branch from the apex or side shoots.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively aqueduct water, either manually or by means of an irrigation system. When transplanting into a flower bed, more frequent watering will be necessary to allow the young roots to develop well. When the plants are well established and rooted in the new site, watering can be more moderate, taking care, even for cultivation in pots, to allow the soil or substrate to dry out slightly between one watering and the next in order to avoid stagnation and subsequent root rot.

Fertilising

During pre-transplant soil preparation, carry out background fertilisation by burying slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser. During the spring-summer period, following proper post-transplant settlement, regularly apply a balanced fertiliser suitable for ornamental Species to the soil or medium at the foot of the plant, to be distributed in liquid form, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the frequency and doses applied.

Edibility and toxicity

Pet safety

Ingestion toxicity to pets not known; consider case-specific and do not administer.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

Ingestion toxicity not known; avoid ingestion.

Expert advice

Tip

It has a simple, self-cleaning flower, and can therefore also be used in landscaped, low-maintenance flowerbeds. This is why, in addition to balconies, it is also becoming increasingly popular for use in flowerbeds, in the middle of a lawn or in a road roundabout. In full sunlight it forms very rustic coloured cushions; it is sufficient to have an automatic irrigation system in the flower bed, preferably a hose. It needs summer fertilisation at least once a week with a complete fertiliser such as 15.5.25.