Gerbera daisies, classified under the genus Gerbera in the Asteraceae family, are celebrated for their vibrant, daisy-like blooms that bring bold color to gardens and arrangements. Native to South Africa, particularly the Transvaal and Cape Province regions, these tender perennials thrive in warm, temperate climates (USDA zones 8–11) but are often grown as annuals in cooler areas. Their flowers, blooming from spring to fall, attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them a favorite in both ornamental and ecological settings.
The foliage of Gerbera species consists of broad, lobed leaves that form a basal rosette, typically deep green and slightly fuzzy. Native to South Africa’s sunny, well-drained habitats, these leaves are adapted to retain moisture while supporting the plant’s upright flower stems, which reach 12–18 inches. The foliage provides a lush foundation, enhancing the vivid blooms and suiting the plant’s native grassland environments.
Ecologically, Gerbera plants play a significant role in their South African native range, offering nectar to pollinators and supporting local biodiversity. Their bright blooms and sturdy stems make them ideal for garden beds or containers, where they add color and attract wildlife. In non-native regions, their self-seeding potential requires monitoring to prevent unwanted spread, ensuring they remain beneficial to local ecosystems.
Culturally, gerbera daisies hold appeal in their native South Africa and beyond, often symbolizing cheerfulness and purity in global floral traditions. Their long-lasting blooms are prized in cut flower arrangements, a practice rooted in their South African heritage where they were first cultivated for ornamental use. The plants’ vibrant colors have also inspired art and design, reflecting their cultural significance.
In landscaping, Gerbera species are versatile, thriving in full sun with well-drained, slightly acidic soil, as found in their native South African regions. They suit borders, containers, or indoor settings, with compact varieties ideal for small spaces. Their long blooming season and ease of care make them popular for gardeners seeking vibrant, low-maintenance displays in warm climates.
Despite their beauty, Gerbera plants require careful management to avoid issues like crown rot, common in poorly drained soils. In their native range, they are hardy and well-adapted, but outside South Africa, gardeners must select appropriate cultivars and monitor their spread to maintain ecological balance. Regular deadheading and proper watering ensure healthy growth and continuous blooming.
Gerbera Daisy Flowers
Macaron
This cultivar features soft peach-pastel flowers with large, single blooms, typically 3–4 inches wide. Native to South Africa, it blooms from spring to fall in full sun, thriving in well-drained soil. Ideal for containers or borders, its delicate hue adds a gentle touch to gardens, attracting bees and butterflies. Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooms.
Bellita
A charming variety with soft pink flowers and a lime-green center, this type grows to 12–18 inches. Blooming in summer, it’s native to South Africa and prefers full sun with afternoon shade in hot climates. Perfect for bouquets due to its long vase life, it supports pollinators and requires well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Choiz
Known for its apricot-peach flowers with a dark brown center, this cultivar reaches 12–16 inches tall. Native to South Africa, it blooms from late spring to early fall in full sun. Its warm tones make it a focal point in mixed beds, and it attracts pollinators. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Boost
This vibrant magenta-hot pink variety with a dark blackish-brown center grows to 16 inches. Native to South Africa, it blooms prolifically in summer in full sun. Its bold color suits modern garden designs and floral arrangements, attracting bees. It’s hardy in zones 7–10 and needs regular watering but not soggy soil.
Juna
Featuring medium pink flowers with a lime-green center, this cultivar grows to 12–18 inches. Native to South Africa, it blooms from spring to fall in full sun or partial shade. Ideal for containers or borders, it supports pollinators and adds cheerful color. Its sturdy stems make it a favorite for cut flowers.
Garvinea Classic Jasmina
This perennial variety, growing 16 inches tall and wide, produces soft coral-pink flowers from spring to fall. Native to South Africa, it thrives in zones 7–10 in full sun. Its long bloom season and pollinator-friendly nature make it great for borders. Well-drained soil and regular deadheading ensure vibrant growth.
Garvinea Classic Layla
A hardy cultivar with lavender-purple flowers, this type grows 16 inches tall and wide. Native to South Africa, it blooms nearly year-round in mild climates (zones 7–10) in full sun. Its sturdy stems suit cut flower arrangements, and it attracts butterflies. It prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil to avoid crown rot.
Garvinea Lydia
This variety boasts violet-pink flowers on robust stems, reaching 16 inches. Native to South Africa, it blooms from spring to fall in full sun, thriving in zones 7–10. Perfect for containers or garden beds, it attracts pollinators and has a long vase life. Good drainage and occasional fertilizing promote healthy blooms.
Flori Line Maxi Orange
A compact cultivar at 12 inches tall, this type displays large, clear orange flowers up to 4 inches wide. Native to South Africa, it blooms in summer in full sun. Ideal for small gardens or pots, it attracts bees and resists deer. Its vibrant hue shines in mixed arrangements, needing well-drained soil.
Flori Line Maxi Yellow
This cultivar, growing to 12 inches, produces bright yellow, 4-inch-wide flowers resembling sunshine. Native to South Africa, it blooms prolifically in summer in full sun. Perfect for containers, it draws pollinators and adds cheer to borders. It requires well-drained soil and regular deadheading to maintain blooming.
Terracotta
A double-flowered variety with yellow petals tinged with peach around a dark red eye, this type grows to 12–18 inches. Native to South Africa, it blooms in summer in full sun. Its unique color blend suits cottage gardens, though double blooms limit pollinator access. It needs well-drained soil to thrive.
Winter Queen
This crested double variety features white petals with a black central disk, growing to 12–18 inches. Native to South Africa, it blooms from spring to fall in full sun. Ideal for elegant bouquets, its double form reduces pollinator appeal. It requires slightly acidic, well-drained soil and protection from extreme heat.
Giant Spinner
A full-crested double cultivar with two rows of outer petals and two inner rows covering the central disk, this type grows to 18 inches. Native to South Africa, it blooms in summer in full sun, offering vibrant colors like pink or red. It’s striking in borders but needs rust prevention and good drainage.
Jaguar Pink
This cultivar produces soft red-pink, 2.5-inch-wide flowers with excellent heat tolerance, growing to 10–15 inches. Native to South Africa, it blooms all summer in full sun, ideal for containers or borders. Its pollinator-friendly blooms and no-fuss nature suit vibrant garden displays, needing well-drained soil.
Revolution Rose Bicolor
Featuring rosy-pink flowers with white rings at the center, this variety grows to 12 inches tall and 8 inches wide. Native to South Africa, it blooms in summer in full sun. Easy to grow and ideal for containers, it attracts bees and butterflies, thriving in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Volcanoes
A striking cultivar with huge, 4.5-inch-wide orange flowers, this type grows to 18 inches. Native to South Africa, it blooms from spring to fall in full sun, glowing in garden beds or arrangements. Its pollinator-friendly blooms thrive in well-drained soil, requiring regular deadheading for continuous flowering.