The Ivy Leaf Geranium
Use the ivy leaf geranium to decorate window boxes and hanging baskets. Hang in full sun but move to a shady area on those very hot days of summer. Compact flowers on vines that trail over 3 feet.
Planting Tips For Ivy Leaf
Ever versatile, geraniums can flourish inside and outside both in planters and garden beds.
Geraniums like the sun, but not too much in climates that are very hot. Put them in a spot that will get 6 to 8 hours of sun each day. Strong winds can damage these plants so make sure the area is protected.
Use a well drained mildly acidic soil for best plant growth.
If planting in containers, choose planters that will be large enough to support growth of the plant. If you find the plant wilting between watering, this may be a sign that it needs to be repotted. Make sure there is adequate drainage and take care not to overwater.
Geraniums can be nice to have indoors to brighten up a dull winter. Make sure you put them in a very sunny spot and use a well drained potting mix. Optimum temperatures for these plants is 65 degrees in the day and 55 at night.
Make sure you check the Ivy Leaf for signs of pests and diseases
Where To Buy
Order online from Nature Hills Nursery, Inc. -
Click here to order a Free Nature Hills Nursery Catalog
Of Interest:
How To Overwinter Geraniums
Plant Bytes
The Ivy Leaf can give color to your garden.
Geraniums are loved for their colorful blossoms and aromatic oil.
There are herbal uses as well and this plant can be used for inflammation with its mild, soothing effect.
Cut-leaved geranium is an early spring flowering perennial.
Geranium incanum can be used very effectively on banks or as a colourful border plant.
Geranium oil is used in aromatherapy in the bath and for massage.
The geranium grows wild in low grounds and open woods from Newfoundland to Manitoba and south to Georgia and Missouri.
They can be grown as a bedding, in containers or a hanging plant.
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Using Geraniums For Healthy Skin and Hair
The wild geranium has antiseptic properties that are said to help balance oily or dry sking and hair. It is also said to help relieve acne. A tea can be made that can be applied topically or a compress can be used to help heal bruises, cuts, sunburn and other skin ailments.
A hot steam facial over a geranium tea or using it as a wash for your hair can help even out your complexion and hair texture.
Using Geraniums As Insect Repellent
Geraniums have been used to ward off ticks for centuries and the oil is reputed to be a natural insect repellent. These plants produce oils that repel insects, in fact, one new type of geranium called the
mosquito geranium was purposely created for it's production of citronella oil.
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