Overview
The gerbera daisy is a favorite garden or potted flower that makes a striking focal point in bouquets. Approximately 30 species of gerbera daisy exist in the wild, and they attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.
The cheerful gerbera daisy comes in a variety of bright colors.
image by Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Josef F. Stuefer
Geography
The gerbera daisy is native to South Africa, Asia, Madagascar and South America, but successfully grows in many other countries as an annual flower in cool climates and a perennial in warm climates.
Identification
The vibrant flower head of the gerbera daisy is 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Its 10 to 12 inch tall stalks make it an excellent flower for borders and containers. The basal leaves are about 5 inches long, lobed and clefted.
History
The word "gerbera" originated in honor of Traugott Gerber, an early 18th-century German naturalist. Richard Lynch of Cambridge, England began cross-breeding the gerbera daisy in the late 19th century. Most contemporary varieties of gerbera daisy stem from Mr. Lynch's cross-breedings.
Considerations
The gerbera daisy is hardy to 28 degrees Fahrenheit and enjoys full sun to partial shade. It thrives in well-drained, warm, rich soil and requires twice-weekly watering. Removal of expired flower heads promotes further blooms.
Warnings
Certain pests and diseases plague the gerbera daisy, including aphids, spider mites, leaf miners, thrips, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt and leaf spot. Gardeners use a variety of commercial and natural methods to prevent damage by pests and diseases.
- About Gerbera Daisies
- Gerbera Daisy Facts
- Information on the Gerbera Daisy
- Questions on Daisy
- Gerbera Daisy Care
- Pests of the Gerbera Daisy
Keywords:
Gerbera daisy, Gerbera jamesonii, daisy information, Transvaal daisy, Barberton daisy
About this Author
Aja Rivers is a New England native who has been writing professionally for nine years. Her poetry has appeared in "Tiger’s Eye: A Journal of Poetry," "Main Channel Voices" and "The Aurorean." She has an associate's degree in science from Cape Cod Community College and a paralegal certificate from Gloucester County College. Rivers is also a certified all-breed dog groomer.
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