Ivy Geranium: The Ideal Flower Material for Creating Hanging Flower Beds

Ivy geranium, also known as ivy-leaved geranium, is the main material for European balcony flower troughs, hanging flower baskets, and flower pots. It was introduced in China starting last year, mainly used for hanging flower baskets, tall flower pots, etc., and in areas with suitable temperatures, the flowering period lasts up to half a year. Currently, commonly used varieties include 'Tornado' and 'Summershowers', among which 'Tornado' has advantages such as strong branching ability, short internodes, good plant shape, heat tolerance, and rain resistance. 'Summershowers' has obvious trailing characteristics. Colors include rose red, purple red, carmine, purple, white, etc., suitable for combinations of multiple colors. Production mostly uses coated F1 hybrid seeds. The optimum growth temperature is 18-21°C. In most areas of China, sowing is usually done in September, and seedlings are potted up in November. As long as temperatures above 0°C can be maintained, they can overwinter safely. In the following year, they resume growth in March-April, and in May they can bloom abundantly for the market. In warm winter areas, summer alpine seedling cultivation is mostly used, with market release before New Year's Day, planted in hanging pots as New Year flowers. Ivy geraniums mostly use well-drained growing medium with a pH of about 6.0, which can be slightly more acidic than common geraniums. Planting should not be too deep to prevent disease and withering. During the growth period, continuous watering and fertilization are needed. If plants are frequently short of water, basal leaves will turn yellow and flowering will be delayed. In the later growth stage, the proportion of potassium fertilizer should be increased. When the temperature is below 5°C or above 30°C, watering should be minimized and no fertilizer should be applied. In hot summer areas, strong pruning is often carried out before the heat arrives, with water and fertilizer controlled to let the plants go dormant and safely pass the summer. Growth resumes in late September when the weather cools, and they can bloom again in November. Chlormequat chloride (CCC) has a clear effect on ivy geraniums, usually used at only 250-500 ppm. It should be applied when seedlings grow to 4 true leaves, and watering should only be done 24 hours after spraying. Initially after spraying, leaf yellowing may appear, but it will quickly disappear. Once flower buds appear, application should be stopped. Ivy geraniums are often planted in pots 15 cm in diameter. When used in flower troughs, a 60 cm trough is planted with 2 plants. They are often combined with other flowers such as dusty miller. When planted in flower pots or green spaces, the spacing is 6-9 plants per sq m, which can achieve good results. With its graceful and elegant branches and leaves, bright colors, and rich flower colors, ivy geranium is the best plant for balcony flower troughs and hanging baskets. It is also often used to beautify low walls and short fences and in combination potted plants. In flower pot applications, it plays a role in softening sightlines and adding a sense of layering.