Remember when a girl in love would pluck a daisy’s petals, hoping that the final petal remaining would mean that the object of her heart loved her? How far have daisies come!In the past, these marvelous additions to any kind of garden were suitable only for USDA zones 9 and 10. However, after years of work by a German breeder named Ambrosius, gardeners will now be able to enjoy year after year of repeat performances by the new hardy gerbera! Listed as hardy perennials, they are summer growers with a long flowering period; sun lovers, with a height of 14” and a spread of 12”, they add drought tolerance to their list of advantages.
The gerbera daisy is also known as the Transvaal daisy, as it was first discovered in that named area of South Africa in 1880, by Robert Jameson, a gold mine operator. Apparently one need not be a botanist to be attracted to beauty, thus he sent specimens of his find to Cape Town, and thence to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, England. The scientific name of the flower was designated Gerbera Jamesonii in honor of the man who introduced this delicate delight to a larger arena. North America first met the gerbera in the early 1920’s, and during the 1970’s, extensive breeding was done in California, leading to numerous species for both garden and cut flower usage.
Versatile, with a large, vibrant bloom, the gerbera can stand alone in a simple, elegant container, or pack a potent punch with a plethora of companion flowers. But it would be a mistake to limit the gerbera daisy to merely a cut status in a vase. A magnificent potted plant, on a summer picnic table, will have your guests raving about your limitless creativity.
The gerbera seeds are expensive, delicate and sensitive, so the plants in pots are best purchased at a garden center. Plant them in rich, well-drained soil in full sun for the most abundant flower production. Plant high, to prevent crown rot, water early in the day, and do not over-water. Expect plenty of butterflies to visit you as you move amongst your gardens of gerbera!
So if you’re a gardener craving brilliant color from April to November, with repeaters that are easy to grow, and ideal for patio pots or garden borders, opt for the hardy gerbera daisy; we guarantee you won’t regret it!