Ivy-leaved geranium

Pelargonium peltatum

Trailing or scrambling South African pelargonium with thick succulent ivy-shaped leaves and clusters of pink, mauve, red, or white flowers throughout the warm months. The classic balcony and window-box "geranium" of Mediterranean Europe.

Hardiness ratings

Ivy-leaved geranium hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 9–11 −6.7 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H2 1 °C to 5 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 9 −1 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 3–7 −5 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Native to the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa — now the iconic window-box plant of Mediterranean Europe, especially Switzerland and Austria where it is the national balcony flower
  • Drought tolerant — survives surprising neglect, ideal for containers
  • Frost-tender — overwinter cool and dry, or treat as warm-season bedding
  • Distinct from upright zonal pelargoniums (P. × hortorum)
  • Not reliably hardy outdoors in Canada — Canadian zone values shown represent the system maximum and do not imply garden cultivation north of the warmest coastal pockets.

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Ivy-leaved geranium against your zones

Reference

Ivy-leaved geranium on Wikipedia