Ivy-leaved Pelargonium

Edibility:

• The sour-tasting sap of the leaves is used traditionally to treat sore throats.

• Buds and young leaves can be eaten and are thirst-quenching.

Uses:

• Traditional Medicine: Sour-tasting sap used to treat sore throats.
  Pounded leaves used as an antiseptic for scratches, wounds, grazes, and minor burns.
  Petals are astringent and can be used to make a wash for greasy skin.
  

• Dye: Petals can be used to make a beautiful, long-lasting, grey-blue dye for painting or dyeing wool or cloth.

• Horticulture: Extensively used as an ornamental plant. Thousands are grown annually for window boxes, hanging baskets, and planter troughs.
  Excellent as a container plant.
  Can be used to scramble up trees or trellises.
  Ideal for cascading down terraced or retaining walls.
  Makes an excellent groundcover under larger trees.

Ecology:

• Carpenter bees are frequent visitors to the plants and are likely pollinators.

• Other insects, including bees and bumble bees, are involved in pollination of other Pelargonium species and likely this one.

• Tiny caterpillars may eat out the centre of the flower buds.

Distribution and habitat:

• Endemic to South Africa.

• Found in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape Provinces.

• Grows along coastal and succulent scrub.

• Also found in fynbos and Nama Karoo.

Derivation of name:

• The genus name Pelargonium derives from the Greek word 'pelargos', meaning 'stork', referring to the resemblance of the fruit's shape to a stork's beak.

• The species name peltatum is Latin for 'shield-like' or 'peltate', referring to the shape of the leaves where the petiole is attached to the centre of the blade.

• The Afrikaans common name "kolsuring" means "blotch sorrel", referring to the acidulous sap in the leaves and the spots of colour on the two top petals.

• The English common name "ivy-leaved" refers to its resemblance to ivy.

Historical aspects: 

The genus Pelargonium has been an attraction to collectors and travellers since the 1600s and 1700s around the African continent.

Interesting facts:

• This plant is a bit of a fashionista, often appearing in hanging baskets and window boxes across the globe! It's one of the most popular Pelargoniums in cultivation.

• Don't be surprised if its leaves remind you of ivy; that's where its common name comes from! But unlike ivy, this Pelargonium sometimes has cool, darker "zonal markings" on its leaves.

• Fancy a unique dye? The petals of this Pelargonium can produce a beautiful, long-lasting grey-blue dye. Talk about turning flowers into art!

Growing tips:

• Cuttings can be taken in spring and autumn, or after flowering/seeding.

• Semi-mature stem cuttings from young, healthy growth work well.

• Use rooting hormone for softwood or semi-mature wood.

• Cuttings root within 4 weeks in a cold frame.

• Plant rooted cuttings in a well-drained soil mix.

• Seeds can be sown 2-3 mm deep in a well-drained soil mix in late autumn.

• Germination usually occurs 3-4 weeks after sowing.

• Feed both cuttings and seedlings with an organic-based fertiliser.

• Watch out for fungal infections (mildew or rust) during damp weather and spray with appropriate fungicide if needed.

• Pinch off dead flowers to encourage more blooming and keep the plant tidy.

• In autumn, cut back long, leggy stems to healthy green leaves to promote new growth and profuse flowering.

• It does well in shade and full sun, but flowers more profusely in full sun.