Gerbera Daisies –  A Fantastic Flower:

Gerbera daisies are bright and cheerful flowers with an irresistible charm. Not only can these daisy-like flowers be found in a variety of sizes that grow up to seven inches wide, they are also available in almost every natural color of the rainbow – except blue.

Symbolic of innocence, purity, and cheerfulness, a handful of Gerbera daisies create an instant centerpiece or bouquet, but they really shine when paired with other flowers for added texture, fragrance, and height – which is why they are the fifth most popular cut flower behind only roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, and tulips.

Happy Day Bouquet by Durocher Florist

But their unmistakable beauty isn’t the only reason for their popularity. Gerbera daisies are also one of the longest-lasting cut flowers, and their year-round availability and affordable price make them even more attractive. They also provide added health benefits by discharging oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide and other airborne toxins at night. In fact, some people place Gerberas next to their beds to enjoy better sleep.

For those of us intimidated by color theory, Gerbera daisies eliminate the guesswork! Their beautiful, large blooms crowd hundreds of petals onto each stem, creating a living color wheel of contrasting shades in unexpected combinations. From the classic mix of chocolate, cream, and pink to the spring freshness of grass, blush, and ivory or the dramatic impact of ebony, saffron, and crimson, there’s a Gerbera Daisy for everyone.

Originally from South Africa, where some native species still grow wild, Gerbera daisies were first discovered in 1880 by a Scotsman named Robert Jameson, operating a gold mine in Transvaal.

Also known as African Daisies or Transvaal Daisies, these stunning flowers understandably captured the imagination of plant collectors and breeders who found ways to create the exciting colors and long, sturdy, cut flower stems we know today.

Gerbera daisies belong to the genus Gerbera within the Asteraceae family, which includes sunflowers, daisies, and asters. The most commonly cultivated species is Gerbera jamesonii, also known as the Transvaal daisy or Barberton daisy, native to South Africa. Hybrid varieties are widely grown for their vibrant blooms and are classified under Gerbera hybrida, a group developed through selective breeding of Gerbera jamesonii and Gerbera viridifolia. With their bright, long-lasting flowers, Gerbera daisies are popular in floral arrangements and as ornamental garden plants.

With as many meanings as there are colors, Gerbera daisies have become a way to express a range of emotions.

• Red expresses love
• Pink conveys admiration and gratitude
• Bright orange represents warmth and happiness
• Yellow denotes cheerfulness
• White symbolizes purity and innocence

Care tips

• When selecting Gerbera daisies, look for round heads and unblemished petals, and make sure the stems are long and straight. To keep those stems standing tall, it’s essential to keep them away from bright light because, like sunflowers, Gerbera daisies turn their heads toward the light source.
• Gerbera daisy stems also tend to get blocked, which can cause them to wilt prematurely. To prevent this from happening, be sure to change their water daily, or better yet, re-cut the stems under warm water to help the flower uptake water. They are also sensitive to fluoride, so it might be a good idea to use bottled or filtered water if your tap water is fluorinated.
• Remove spent blooms by cutting the stem at the base to encourage new flowers. Trim yellowing leaves to maintain plant health and improve airflow.
• Gerberas need plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. If grown indoors, place them near a sunny window with at least six hours of light per day. Outdoors, Gerbera Daisies prefer morning sun and partial afternoon shade.

Although it may sound complicated, a little care goes a long way, so it isn’t unusual for Gerbera daisies to last up to 14 days in a vase.

Did You Know?

Despite their South African origin, Gerbera daisies were named after German botanist Traugott Gerber, hence the reason for always capitalizing Gerbera – it’s a proper noun!

Gerbera daisies are non-toxic to both cats and dogs, making them a pet-friendly choice for homes with furry companions. While they are safe to have around pets, it’s still best to keep them out of reach to prevent any potential stomach upset if ingested in large amounts.

Durocher Florist is your source for gorgeous Gerbera daisies! Give us a call or check out some of our fantastic designs featuring the incredible Gerbera daisy. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, we will be happy to design something special just for you.