Ivy Geranium Ivy geranium (Pelargonium peltatum) is a scrambling perennial plant. It belongs to the cranesbill family. It also has other n...
Ivy Geranium
Ivy geranium
(Pelargonium peltatum) is a scrambling perennial plant. It belongs to the
cranesbill family. It also has other names including ivy-leaved pelargonium and
cascading geranium.
This plant
is native to south Africa. It flowers all year round but more vigorously
between august and October in these regions.
In Holland
and England, these plants were introduced in 1704. Due to cool climates, the
growers in Europe grow these plants as annuals.
Ivy
germanium is an excellent addition to the hanging baskets. It also can decorate
planters, window boxes, Mediterranean gardens beds, and borders. They can also
serve as beautiful ground covers in warm climates.
Description
The stems of
ivy geranium plants are slender, smooth, and naturally succulent. They measure
about 2 m in length and about 3 – 10 mm thick. They have alternating leaves
sprouting along with them. These leaves measure about 4 mm wide and 7 mm long.
The leaf stalks
are about 0.5 – 5.5 cm long. They also sometimes appear with hairs. The leaves
have five tipped lobes spreading evenly from a central point.
Some
varieties have beautiful variegated foliage. The flowers of these varieties
sprout in various colors including lavender, burgundy, apricot, pink, purple,
red, and white. The flowers usually develop in clusters.
The fruits
of these plants resemble the beak of stork birds in shape. Even, the fruits of
their related plants like garden geranium and cranesbill geranium appear
similarly.
Varieties
There are
more than 75 types of ivy germanium cultivars available in the commercial
market. Most of them are classified on the basis of their growth habits,
foliage type, and colors. Some varieties are specifically developed for hot
regions.
However, we
have described four major types of ivy geranium (Pelargonium peltatum)
cultivars below:
Traditional varieties
Traditional varieties have fleshy leaves and showy flowers. They
usually sprout double flowers abundantly.
Cascade
Varieties
Cascade
varieties are well known for their beautiful single blooms. They bloom
abundantly and have a compact structural appearance compared to traditional
varieties. They have small or variegated foliage.
Dwarf
varieties
These
varieties can be simply called mini cascades. They are true dwarf or miniature
varieties of the original cascade types. However, these cultivars grow more
compactly and bloomless abundantly. The flowers are usually slightly smaller
compared to cascade cultivars.
Ivy- Zonal
Hybrid varieties
The
combination of zonal flowering varieties with the vining habit of ivies are
popular in commercial floral markets. These varieties are developed
specifically for markets. The flowers are usually semi-double and numerically
similar to traditional and zonal varieties.
Propagation
Select a
location that receives full sunlight. The color of foliage and flowers becomes
vibrant in proportion to sunlight. In hot regions, these plants can prosper in
partially shaded locations also.
Sandy or loam
soils can provide better root aeration and drainage. Rich soil is not
necessary. Water the plants at regular intervals but do not allow waterlogging.
These plants
prefer to grow in moderate temperatures. The blooming slows or even stops in
high temperatures.
It is
advisable to enrich the soil with slow fertilizers before starting the
propagation. This is essential for providing the plants with enough nutrition
to grow healthily.
From seeds
This
propagation method is slow and may take about 3 – 4 months to complete from
seeding from blooming. You can start this process indoors, in January.
Place the
seeds inside a damp paper towel and seal it in a zip bag. The germination may
complete in about 48 hours.
Sow the
seeds at least 1 /4 inch deep in a small pot filled with a good quality soil
mixture. Then, mist the seeds with a water spray bottle. Maintain the soil
moist. But avoid overwatering.
Place this
arrangement in a location that gets bright sunlight and the temperature is at
least above 60 F. You can also use artificial means to obtain this.
You can
expect the plants to grow about 3 – 5 inches in about a few months. After that,
transplant them in large containers or outer garden surface.
From stem cuttings
You can
start this propagation method in autumn. This is one of the easiest methods to
propagate ivy geranium plants.
Take about
5-inch-long cuttings from matured plants. Remove the foliage and other matter
from them, leaving the top 2 – 3 leaf sets.
Allow them
to rest in shade for about 2- 3 hours, so that they can form a callus.
In the
meantime, fill a planting pot with good quality potting soil. Pour water so
that the potting soil is wet. But do not allow it to be soggy.
After
damping the bottom of the cutting ends, insert them in rooting hormones. Then
plant them about 3 inches deep in the pot. Place this arrangement in indirect
sunlight.
Maintain the
soil moisture by watering regularly. You can expect the root formation in about
a months’ time.
After
rooting, you can place them in direct sunlight spots. You can also transplant them
in gardens after the frost is passed.
Caring
If the temperature in your region mostly remains below 80°F, plant ivy geraniums in
full light location. Or else, select a location with partial afternoon shade.
Amend the
soil with organic matter like worm castings, before planting. Also, make sure
the draining facilities of the planting location is good.
After
propagating ivy geraniums, water them regularly, and maintain the soil
moistly. Feed the plants regularly with
balanced fertilizers like NPK 10-10-10.
In spite of
most modern varieties being self-cleaning, occasional dead headings naturally
encourage fresh growth.
Pests and Diseases
Whiteflies
and aphids
These pests
suck the sap from the plants using their piercing mouthparts. This may have
serious impacts on plants and their parts like deformation, stunt growth, etc.,
Just wash
them away with a strong blaze of jet water. If the problem continues, use neem
oil sprays or insecticidal soap solutions to treat them.
Bacterial
Blight
This disease
infects plants in cold and moist conditions. It causes decolorization and
withering in the infected parts of the plant. It spreads through the vascular
system of the plants. Ultimately, this disease may kill the entire plant.
Destroy the
infected plants and dispose of the debris immediately. Air circulation and good
sanitization can help to prevent bacterial blight.
Botrytis
Blight (Gray mold)
This disease
usually infects plants in cool and wet conditions. The infected blooms fall prematurely.
Infected leaves develop brown spots. This disease may spread to the entire
structure of the infected plants causing them to wilt and die.
You can try
fungicides to treat this disease. If the infection continues, it is advisable
to remove the infected plant and clear off the debris immediately
Uses
Traditionally,
the sap of ivy geranium plants is used to treat sore throats. Pounded ivy leaf
paste is applied to wounds and grazes.
The floral
petals, being astringent, is used in liquid wash products for greasy skins.
They are also used in dyes for wool and paints.
Ivy geranium
plants can decorate beautifully both indoors and outdoors. They can be used in hanging gardens, ramps,
floral decorations, and so on. They are available in various colors and shapes
to decorate almost any space!
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