Hanging geraniums are very easy to cultivate. The long, repeating bloom period makes it a popular plant when lots of color is desired in a cascading, drooping flower. Hanging geraniums for the balcony are a good option if you want to have a balcony decorated with lush and colorful flowers all summer long.
With its somewhat fleshy, heart-shaped leaves, the plant is assigned to the Geraniaceae family. It is scientifically known as Pelargonium peltatum. Another name is ivy geranium. The flower is native to eastern South Africa and features round clusters of beautiful red, pink, lavender or white flowers. While the ivy geranium usually blooms profusely in summer in other areas, in its homeland it blooms all year round.
Special features of the flowers
Ivy geraniums are particularly popular for their compact growth and theirabundant flower productionadmired. The plant produces umbel-like inflorescences with 2 to 10 symmetrical, scentless flower buds. Each geranium flower is bilateral and has five free, spade-shaped petals.
Hanging geraniums for the balcony: light and temperature
The hanging geranium is considered hardy and thrives best in full sun or partial shade, but longer periods of heat are not recommended. If temperatures are too hot for the plant, you'll know if the new leaves look pale or even white in response to the heat. Because the flower goes dormant in the winter, it needs some protection when temperatures drop.
Water and fertilize the plant properly
The ivy geraniums have a low to medium water requirement. If temperatures become too hot and dry, consider watering more frequently to conserve soil moisture. High moisture near the roots can cause them to rot. When it comes to fertilization, the hanging geranium is a greedy plantfertilized regularlymust be.
If you don't do this, it can have a negative effect on the flower, it may stop blooming. Fertilize every six to eight weeks until early fall. For ivy geraniums in pots, use a liquid fertilizer every two weeks. When growing in containers, irrigation is particularly important. Keep the soil moist and, especially with plants in hanging baskets, make sure that air can circulate in all areas.
Hanging geraniums for the balcony: transplanting
The plants are susceptible to root rot, meaning they don't like soil with poor drainage. Well-drained garden soil withorganic compostenriched is the best choice. If you use clay soil, improve the structure by adding some coarse river sand. The flower can cope well with transplanting. Be careful not to damage the roots.
Care and maintenance
Ivy geraniums are very easy to care for. You don't have to prune often or invest a lot of time in shaping the plant. During the flowering period, regular removal of petals ensures a steady supply of flower buds. However, the plant is self-cleaning. Trim the stems to encourage bushier growth and limit branching. Keep the plants fairly dry in winter and wait to water them.
Propagating ivy geranium
If you are propagating the plants from seeds, it is best to sow them as soon as they are ripe. Stored seeds should be sown in a greenhouse in spring. The optimal temperature is around 13° C. The seeds need a maximum of 2 weeks to germinate. If you are sowing the seeds outdoors, sow them in early summer. Ivy geraniums are also easy to propagate from cuttings. This is an easier method of propagating the plant because cuttings can be successful at any point in the growing season. However, early summer is the best time for this.
Pests and diseases
Ivy geraniums are among the most tolerant plants of all. They are tolerant of a variety of growth problems. However, problems with pests and diseases can arise from time to time. The most common problems include caterpillars, whiteflies, black flies and aphids.
Recommended Use of Ivy Geraniums
This plant is most commonly used by home gardeners for its showy flowers. Because it climbs, spreads and has a trailing growth habit, it is a beautiful addition to houseplant gardens, beds and window boxes, hanging baskets, planters or as a ground cover in warm climates. The leaves of the ivy geranium are also used as a vegetable. They have a spicy taste and are commonly eaten in their home country. A bluish textile dye is obtained from the petals. Hanging geraniums for the balcony can be combined with Rozanne, a perennial geranium, so you can enjoy the flowers all season long. The droopy stems and the pretty onesFlowers bring the colorsyour perennials to shine.
