Pelargonium peltatum 'Dark Red' (Ivy Geranium)

Ivy Geraniums have a trailing, cascading habit that puts them in a different category from the upright zonal geraniums most gardeners know. The 'Dark Red' selection produces clusters of rich, saturated red flowers against glossy, ivy-shaped leaves, and the long trailing stems spill elegantly over the edges of hanging baskets and window boxes. The semi-succulent stems handle brief dry periods better than many other basket plants, and the flower clusters keep appearing steadily through the season without requiring constant deadheading once the plant is established and growing well.

On the Oregon coast, Ivy Geraniums perform particularly well because they prefer mild temperatures over intense summer heat: they're happiest when days stay below 85 degrees, which is exactly what coastal summers deliver. They thrive in the combination of good light and cool air that defines the Langlois growing season. The trailing stems can reach two to three feet on vigorous plants, creating a full, lush display by midsummer. They work beautifully in combination with upright plants, trailing bacopa, or as a solo specimen where the cascading habit and continuous red flowers can be appreciated on their own terms.