Ivy geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum) are wonderfully easy to care for, making them an ideal choice for patios, particularly in hanging baskets or containers where their trailing stems can cascade beautifully. They thrive in a sunny spot with a bit of shelter from strong winds, and they’re quite forgiving if you occasionally forget to water. As long as the soil drains well — a standard compost with a bit of added grit works well — they’ll be happy. Water them regularly during warm spells, but allow the top of the soil to dry slightly between waterings. They don’t require much fuss: simply deadhead spent flowers to keep them blooming and give them a feed every couple of weeks with a high-potash fertiliser to encourage vibrant colour. While not frost-hardy, they can be overwintered indoors if you want to keep them for the following year. Overall, ivy geraniums offer a low-maintenance, high-impact way to add colour and charm to any patio.