For a plant that spills over the edges of pots like a waterfall of colour, Ivy Geranium is hard to beat. Also known as Cascading Geranium or Klimopmalva, this scrambling evergreen perennial has smooth, somewhat succulent trailing stems that can grow up to 2 metres long, clothed in distinctive, fleshy, ivy-shaped leaves that are glossy, bright green, and often have five-pointed lobes. From spring through autumn (and often year-round in milder coastal gardens), it produces an abundance of beautiful, five-petalled flowers in shades of pale pink to mauve, often with darker streaks in the centre.
Proudly native to South Africa (including the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga), Ivy Geranium is perfectly at home in local gardens. It thrives in full sun to semi-shade and prefers well-drained soil. In hotter inland areas, morning sun with afternoon shade works best, as it performs well in moderate temperatures. Once established, it’s remarkably drought-tolerant thanks to its succulent stems and leaves, making it a water-wise choice. It’s the parent species of the many hybrid Ivy Geraniums cultivated around the world. With stems reaching up to 2m long, it’s perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, cascading over retaining walls, or as a scrambling groundcover.
Key Features:
- Abundant clusters of white to mauve, soft pink, or rose flowers over a long season
- Distinctive, glossy, five-lobed, ivy-like leaves for year-round texture
- A proud South African native who’s water-wise once established
- Ideal “spiller” for hanging baskets, window boxes, or cascading over walls
Gardening Note: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade helps in hot summer areas. Water regularly until established, then allow soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering—inconsistent moisture can lead to oedema. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Protect from severe frost; container plants can be moved to a sheltered patio in winter.
