Trailing Geraniums: The Best Flowers for Hanging Baskets

When it comes to picking flowers for hanging baskets, trailing geraniums are one of the top choices. Also known as ivy geraniums, these cascading plants spill gracefully out of containers with abundant blooms and foliage. Read on to learn why they make ideal trailing flowers for hanging baskets and containers.

Trailing geraniums belong to the Pelargonium genus and are specifically the Pelargonium peltatum species. They are called ivy geraniums thanks to their lush, ivy-shaped leaves. The foliage has a bright green color that adds beauty and fullness to the cascading plants.

Unlike upright zonal geraniums, ivy geraniums feature a spreading growth habit. Their long stems reach up to 4 feet in length. This allows them to tumble attractively over the edges of hanging baskets, window boxes, and decorative pots.

The flowers bloom in shades of red, pink, white, and lavender They appear as clusters of small, delicate blossoms When grown in ideal conditions, ivy geraniums bloom continuously from spring through fall.

Thanks to their heavy trailing foliage and prolific flowers, these make one of the best choices for cascading over the sides of hanging baskets

Growing Trailing Geraniums from Cuttings

The most common way to propagate new ivy geraniums is by taking cuttings from existing plants. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:

• Take 4-6 inch cuttings from the tips of healthy stems in spring or summer. Choose non-flowering sections.

• Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder.

• Plant the cuttings in pots filled with sterile potting mix.

• Keep the soil moist and place in indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun which can scorch tender new growth.

• Roots will emerge in 2-4 weeks. Transfer the rooted cuttings to hanging baskets once established.

Taking cuttings from existing ivy geraniums is an easy way to create lush new hanging basket plants for free.

Buying Trailing Geraniums Online

Another option is to purchase established ivy geranium plants from online retailers. Reputable sellers ship healthy, vigorous plants ready for hanging containers.

Some top online stores for buying trailing geraniums include:

• GrowJoy – Offers individual varieties like Ivy League and Cascade series plants.

• Burpee – Sellscombos with ivy geraniums mixed with other cascading flowers.

• Breck’s – Provides multi-packs of assorted ivy geraniums for dense hanging baskets.

• Nature Hills Nursery – Specializes in unique variegated ivy geranium selections.

When buying online, look for strong plants with well-established root systems and no signs of disease or pests. Also check customer reviews to help select a high-quality seller.

Caring for Ivy Geraniums in Hanging Baskets

Once you have your trailing geraniums planted in hanging baskets, proper care will keep them flowering and help them reach their full cascading potential. Here are some key tips:

• Site hanging baskets in full sun for at least 6 hours per day. Provide some afternoon shade in very hot climates.

• Water whenever the soil becomes partly dry. Take care not to overwater.

• Apply a controlled-release fertilizer at planting time and supplement with a water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.

• Prune back wayward stems and pinch off spent blooms to encourage new growth and flowers.

• Bring hanging baskets indoors before the first fall frost. Ivy geraniums can overwinter well indoors near a sunny window.

With the right care, ivy geraniums will reward you with endless cascades of blossoms spilling beautifully over the edges of your hanging containers.

Tips for Planting Ivy Geranium Hanging Baskets

When creating a hanging basket arrangement with trailing geraniums, keep these design tips in mind:

• Use at least 3 ivy geranium plants for a full, dense cascade. Plant them evenly around the basket.

• Combine trailing geraniums with other cascading flowers like petunias, calibrachoa, and lophospermum for added color and interest.

• Include trailing foliage plants like ivy, dichondra, and creeping jenny for texture contrast.

• For height, add some upright thriller plants like spike dracaena or ornamental grasses to the center of the basket.

• Incorporate trailing vines on the outer edges to accentuate the cascading effect. Sweet potato vine and vinca vine work beautifully.

With the right combination of plants, ivy geraniums will be the crowning glory spilling over the basket edges.

Eye-Catching Ivy Geranium Varieties

There are many stunning ivy geranium varieties to showcase in hanging containers. Here are some top options:

• Cascade Series – Abundant blooms in colors like Cherry, Violet, Burgundy, and Appleblossom

• Ivy League Series – Vibrant blooms and ivy-cut leaves; includes Cherry Blossom, Hot Coral, and Burgundy selections

• Sybil Holmes – Prolific lavender-purple blossoms; heat tolerant

• Great Balls of Fire – Large, semi-double blooms in unique color combinations

• Blizzard Series – Pure white flowers stand out beautifully against the ivy foliage

With so many choices, you can easily find trailing geraniums to match your style or coordinate with other basket plants.

Enjoy Endless Trails of Flowers

Give your hanging baskets and containers a boost by planting trailing geraniums. Their gracefully draping stems will be covered in cheery blossoms all season long.

Pick a variety like the lush Ivy League or the free-flowering Cascade series. Or combine several ivy geraniums together for maximum impact. With the right care, these beautiful trailing flowers will soon be cascading joyfully out of your hanging containers.