Pelargonium Moonflair Red - Ivy Geranium

Pelargonium Moonflair Red is part of a new series of hybrids selected for their beautiful dark green foliage and compact habit. Unlike other ivy-leaf geraniums, they bloom even in the height of summer, without interruption until the first frosts. This variety bears umbels of dazzling red double flowers, highlighted by dark and lush foliage. This vigorous plant has excellent heat, weather, and drought tolerance. It will make a big impact on a patio, balcony, placed on a windowsill, or even in a flower bed.

This hybrid geranium is a very recent creation, resulting from a cross between Pelargonium peltatum, the ivy geranium, and P. zonale, both of which are tender plants from the geranium family native to South Africa. Moonflair has the extraordinary floribundity and dark foliage of the 'zonales'. It forms bushy clumps with flexible stems, while retaining the disease resistance of the ivy geranium. With rapid growth, it reaches a height of 50cm (20in) in just a few weeks, with a spread of 60cm (24in). Its slightly fleshy and aromatic leaves are peltate, circular and glossy. The remarkably long and abundant flowering takes place from April until the first frost. The large umbels of double flowers are rounded and brilliantly coloured in red. Pelargoniums are not very hardy (-4°C (24.8°F)), so are usually grown as annuals. However, they can survive in the ground in very mild regions, becoming true bushes. In nature, their ancestors are plants that thrive in difficult soil and climate conditions.

Ivy-leaf geraniums are generous and undemanding plants, but this variety has a very beautiful appearance and exceptional generosity. It is a perfect plant for decorating pots for most of the year, without requiring much maintenance. However, it belongs to a new generation of pelargoniums that are also making a noticeable entrance into sunny flower beds and borders. Plant them en masse to create a lasting and cheerful decoration throughout the summer season. These plants tolerate drought quite well, meaning they can be combined with garden verbenas, blue lobelias, and black or purple-foliaged ipomoeas (Ipomoea Illusion Midnight Lace, Ipomoea Sweet Heart 'Purple'). Create beautiful pots by combining Moonflair geraniums with each other, or with Million Bells, variegated periwinkles, Dichondra 'Silver Falls', violets, and calibrachoas.

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.