This perennial to sub-shrub has slender weak stems that are climbing or spreading and forms a compact habit. It has waxy dark green pleated leaves and the flowers are pink, red, and purple and appear in a cluster from mid spring to early winter.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Pelargonium peltatumis naturally found in South Africa growing from Bainskloof to East London in coastal or succulent scrubland.

It prefers a well drained moderately fertile sandy-stony to light clay soil and grows in a sunny to semi shaded protected position and is drought tolerant but frost tender.

The Ivy Leafed Geranium is grown for its foliage, flowers and its trailing habit. It can be trained up vertical supports or used as a spill-over above retaining walls in small or cottage gardens. It is also grown in hanging baskets, pots or window boxes. It can be mass planted as a ground cover and establishes in 1 to 2 years requiring little care. It is suitable for coastal regions tolerating mildly salty conditions and can be grown as an indoor plant in a sunny position. ID 42

Pelargonium (pe-lar-GON-ee-um) peltatum (pel-TAH-tum)

From Greek pelargos, "stork", referring to the shape of the fruit which is supposed to resemble the head of a stork; "peltatum", Latin word meaning "joined together" referring to the petioles of the leaves, which join inside the margin.

Geraniaceae (jer-AN-ee-AY-see-ee)