James H. Schutte
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
Gerbera
Plant Common Name
Barberton Daisy, Gerbera Daisy, Transvaal Daisy
General Description
The genus Gerbera is comprised of about 35 species of tender, herbaceous perennials native to tropical, subtropical and temperate regions of Africa, Asia, Madagascar and Indonesia. Commonly known as gerbera daisies, these showy plants are popular as annuals or container plants in cooler zones, and are valued for their beauty and long life in the vase.
The elongated, medium to dark green leaves of these plants form slowly spreading basal rosettes, and may be entire, lobed or feather-like, often with toothed margins. Colorful daisies are borne singly on tubular stems that rise well above the foliage, and appear in shades of red, yellow, orange, pink, purple and white. The blossoms are composed of a central disk of tiny, tubular flowers surrounded by single to multiple rows of unusual, two-lipped ray flowers. Blooming continues from late spring to frost, and almost year-round in frost-free climates, but subsides in very hot weather. The flattened seeds that follow have hairs, beaks or bristles to facilitate dispersal.
The most common gerbera daisies sold as cut flowers and bedding plants are hybrids between the species G. jamesonii and G. viridifolia. Also known as Barberton or Transvaal daisies, they were originally developed in Europe near the end of the 19th century after the plants were shipped from South Africa. Today we enjoy blooms in a range of vibrant colors and sizes, from miniature to very large as a result of this cross.
Specific hardiness varies among species and cultivars, but in general, gerbera daisies prefer full sun and moderately fertile garden soil with good drainage. Regular removal of spent blossoms encourages heaviest flowering. Avoid heavy or wet soils, as these may cause crown rot.
