Pelargonium Mexica Tomcat - Ivy Geranium

Pelargonium 'Mexica Tomcat' boasts an early and highly contrasting bicolour flowering that remains decorative for a large part of the year. It produces clusters of small, semi-double, velvety white flowers that are heavily striated and edged with burgundy to mauve-pink tones. Its compact vegetation consists of stems and leaves of a beautiful bright green. The medium-sized plant has a semi-trailing habit that is ideal for flowering pots, hanging baskets, or even borders. It is an easy-to-grow variety that requires little maintenance.

Ivy-leaf geraniums originate, among others, from Pelargonium peltatum, a plant from the Geraniaceae family that is native to the coastal region of the Cape Province in South Africa. This species forms creeping or spreading stems. Its foliage resembles that of ivy. The hybrids that we know as ivy-leaf geraniums show the same semi-trailing habit and increased floribundity. The 'Mexica Tomcat' variety has a rapid growth rate and compact vegetation. It forms a round and trailing clump, 45cm (18in) in height and 50cm (20in) in diameter, composed of numerous flexible stems adorned with dark green, shiny foliage with five pointed lobes. The somewhat fleshy and aromatic leaves are peltate and circular, discreetly marked with a light brown area. The semi-double flowers are grouped in large terminal clusters, 5 to 7cm (2 to 3in) in diameter.

Ivy-leaf geraniums are generous and undemanding plants, ideal for decorating flower pots or low borders in front of the house. They cascade beautifully from pots and balconies. Their simple flowers create colourful spots that blend together or highlight other plants, whether trailing like purple or chocolate-leaved ipomoeas (Ipomoea Illusion Midnight Lace, Ipomoea Sweet Heart 'Purple') or upright like zonal geraniums, petunias, gauras, or fuchsias. The 'Mexica Tomcat' variety brings a rich and contrasting shade, which can be used alone or combined with white or violet, as found in the flowers of the 'Tommy' variety, for example.

Please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners. Upon receipt, repot and store them under cover (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before planting them outdoors, once the risk of frost has definitely passed.