How to Cut Back Ivy Geraniums

Ivy geraniums belong to their own species, Pelargonium peltatum. Originally from South Africa, the ivy geranium has ivy-shaped leaves on long, trailing stems. The delicate flowers often have interesting markings and color combinations, such as striping or deep-colored throats. Ivy geraniums love bright light and can be planted in containers in full sun, even in the summer. When temperature drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, bring your ivy geranium in to overwinter until next year. Ivy geraniums make attractive hanging baskets, or use them as a trailing plant in large containers. They can also be planted in the ground and used as ground cover.

Things You'll Need

• Clippers
• Containers for rooting cuttings
• Rooting hormone (optional)
• Well-draining potting soil (optional)

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Trim an ivy geranium as needed during the growing season to maintain its shape or to encourage bushiness. Take 3- to 6-inch cuttings for rooting as desired.

   • 2

     Trim your plant back by one-third in early fall and root the cuttings for new spring plants. Root cuttings in water or dip them in rooting hormone and stick into well-draining potting mix.

   • 3

     Cut your plant back hard in the spring to encourage new growth. Traditionally, hard pruning is defined as removal of two-thirds of the length of the stems. Leave at least three nodes on each stem. This spring pruning helps keep the plant compact, as the stems tend to get woody as they get older.