Pelargonium Happy Thought

Pelargonium 'Happy Thought' is a very old variety of zonal geranium, dating back to 1877. It belongs to a group of hybrids that are making a comeback. It captivates with its crimson-red flowers that stand out beautifully against green, pale-yellow, and cinnamon brown variegated foliage. Blooming from spring to autumn, it forms upright, vibrant, and healthy bushes. It can be grown alone to display its beauty or mixed with other varieties.

Zonal pelargoniums are perennial hybrids of the Geraniaceae family, belonging to a large group called Pelargonium x hortorum. They are mostly derived from P. inquinans, native to the southeastern tip of Africa, with contributions from P. zonale and P. frutetorum. 'Happy Thought' has been experiencing a renewed interest in recent years. It forms a bushy clump with an upright habit and vigorous growth, reaching a height of 60cm (24in) and a diameter of 40cm (16in). It blooms from spring to autumn, tirelessly producing medium-sized, shiny, single flowers in small clusters. Their colour ranges from scarlet to crimson, contrasting perfectly with the tender green foliage adorned with a yellow central zone bordered by brown, resembling the shape of a butterfly. Its sturdy and succulent stems bear perfectly circular, undulate, slightly dentate leaves with a thick and healthy texture.

Once reserved for balconies and patios, zonal pelargoniums are now making a remarkable 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 and hanging baskets by pairing them with bright pink or red varieties, Million Bells, variegated periwinkles, Dichondra 'Silver Falls', violets, and calibrachoas.