Few flowers capture the hearts of people more than Gerbera Daisies since the daisy shape is such a familiar form and is easily drawn by artists of all abilities. Combine the pleasing shape of Gerbera with bright luminous colors and you have an irresistible plant for today’s gardens. Gerbera is an extensive genus and a member of the sunflower family (Asteraceae). There are approximately 30 species in the wild, extending to South America, Africa and tropical Asia. The meanings of Gerbera flowers come from those attributed to the general daisy family. These meanings include beauty, innocence and purity. In addition, Gerberas hold an added meaning of cheerfulness, which stems from the assortment of colors available.
Flower Forms
Gerbera species bear a large flower head with rayed petals in pink, orange, yellow, gold, white, red, cream and bi-colors. The center of the flower is either green or black. The flower head has the appearance of a single flower but is actually composed of hundreds of individual flowers. Gerbera flowers are diverse and their flower heads range from 2.5 to 8 inches/6–20 cm. in diameter.Single flowers: The main class of flowers is the single type with two layers of flower petals.
Semi-double flowers: The semi-doubles are often seen in cut flower types and some series of pot types. Semi-double flowers have extra rows of mini petals around the center eye, giving the blooms added bulk and interest.
Double flowers: Unique full flowers have 5-7 layers of flower petals that completely cover the flower head.
Spider flowers: Featuring a unique flower form with thinner and more pointed flower petals resembling sea urchins.
Cut Flowers
Many consumers have their first encounter with Gerbera as cut flowers since Gerbera is the fifth most used cut flower in the world (after rose, carnation, chrysanthemum, and tulip). Gerberas as cut flowers offer a rich color palette and beautiful flower forms from single to semi-double.Home Growing
It is not surprising that consumers would want to enjoy Gerberas in mixed containers throughout the summer growing season. Gerberas do well outdoors if given the proper care and conditions.Plant in coarse and well-drained media that is slightly acidic pH 5.5 – 6.5.
Gerberas require morning sun in warmer southern climates and full sun in cooler northern locations.
Water early in the morning to allow rapid drying of foliage. Allowing moisture to remain on the leaf surface overnight invites diseases like powdery mildew.
Incorporate a slow release fertilizer into the media and supplement with a liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks.
Remove excess foliage from the center throughout the season to maximize light penetration and flower production.
Tips to prevent disease:
• Remove infected leaves
• Do not crowd the plants
• Provide good air circulation
• Keep plants well watered and stress free
• Grow resistant plants when available
Perennial Gerbera
Yes! There is now a perennial Gerbera available. The Garvinea series is cold hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 7 and in northern climates provides a hearty long-blooming Gerbera option for your summer garden.In the landscape, the plants grow up to 18 inches tall while in bloom, and bloom time is one of Garvinea's best attributes! From early spring until first frost, each Garvinea plant will produce more than 100 colorful 2-inch flowers.
Currently, there are 24 different cultivars, including several with brightly colored flowers, some softly colored options as well as varieties that change color as they develop.
The National Garden Bureau recognizes Sakata Ornamentals as the author of this fact sheet, provided as a service from the National Garden Bureau.