The Gerbera daisy, with its sunny disposition, is a feast for the eyes and heart of the gardener. Gerbera jamesonii’s birthplace is on the grasslands and mountains of South Africa, Indonesia, Asia, and Madagascar. They can be enjoyed by virtually every gardener, regardless of the zone, as it can be utilized as an annual, in non-hardy zones.
These perennial plants look like daisies on steroids, and are available in an assortment of brilliant colors and varieties. The ten inch, lance-shaped leaves unfold from a deeply rooted rosette. Flowers of intense color are born on slender, strong stems. Gerbera, or Transvaal daisies, are at home in perennial beds, borders and rock gardens.
Meet The Gerbera Daisy
- AKA: Transvaal Daisy, Barberton Daisy
- Habit: Perennial
- Zones: 8-12, however, can be grown nearly anywhere if treated as an annual.
- Height: Average 8-18”
- Spread: Average 12-24”
- Garden Specifics: Gerbera likes well-drained, organic soil. It likes full sun, and partial shade in extremely hot areas.
- Blooming Time: Usually late spring to late summer, but almost anytime if it’s in a zone as a perennial.
- Colors: white, cream, yellow, orange, red, pink, coral, and lavender.
- Propagation: Seeds planted in autumn or early spring, basal cuttings in summer, or division in late winter.
- Pests and Diseases: Watch out for powdery mildew and crown or root rot, primarily. Leaf miners, aphids, mites, thrips, and whiteflies can also be a problem.
Tips For Planting The Transvaal Daisy
- Plant them 1-2’ apart.
- Water gerbera deeply, but then let them almost dry out before the next watering.
- Be sure to plant them so the crown of the plant sits slightly above the soil line to prevent rot.
- Watering near the soil instead of showering the plants helps prevent powdery mildew.
- Gerberas fare well in containers and make wonderful, cheery houseplants.
Varieties And Cultivars
- ‘California Giants’ come in shades of yellow, apricot, orange, red, and pink. The grow up to 24” tall.
- ‘Double Parade’ has double flowers, and many color choices. The parade series have anywhere from single to double flower heads.
- The Festival series are small leaved and compact.
- Pandora series come in cream, apricot, crimson-red, scarlet, pink, and lavender.
- ‘Ebony Eyes” have dark-eyed centers in the middle of the petals.
While enjoying gerbera in the garden, don’t forget to cut them and bring them inside to enjoy. They are perfect for as a happy bedroom bouquet. As a houseplant, gerbera is one of the top performers as a chemical toxin remover and air purifier.
Every garden needs a sunny face, and Transvaal daisy fills the bill beautifully.
Interested in more on houseplants as air purifiers? Check out The Surprising Benefits of Indoor Gardening.
Chris McLaughlin - Chris McLaughlin's gardening books include "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Heirloom Vegetables." Check out her complete profile.
