| Botanical Name |
|
| Family |
Asteraceae - The daisy family. |
| Pronunciation |
GER-ber-a jay-mess-OWN-ee-eye |
| Common Name(s) |
Barberton daisy, Gerbera daisy; Rooigousblom |
| Plant Group |
- Perennial A plant whose life cycle lasts for three or more seasons.
|
| Plant Size |
- Small to Medium
| Tree | 8m to 15m |
| Shrub | 75cm to 1m |
| Perennial/ground cover | 20cm to 40cm |
| Bulb | 30cm to 40cm |
| Succulent | 20cm to 40cm |
|
| Position |
- Partial Shade The area is in shade for part of the day and in full sun for part of the day.
- Sun The area is in full sun for all or most of the day, all year round.
|
| General Information |
- Deciduous to Semi-deciduous In warmer areas a deciduous plant may not lose its leaves during winter at all, or may lose its leaves for a very brief period, or may only lose part of its foliage.
- Drought Tolerance: Medium The plant is moderately adapted to arid conditions and can survive short periods of drought and high temperatures without extra water.
- Frost: Half-hardy The plant is able to survive low temperatures and some frost but requires protection against severe frost.
- Water Moderate These plants will need some extra watering compared to water-wise plants. Plant them together, in at least some shade and in a convenient proximity to the house so that grey water can be utilised during times of drought.
|
| Specific Information |
A popular garden plant, Gerbera have deeply lobed, dark green leaves. Leaf growth is particularly lush if the plants receive a little shade, but flowering will be reduced. |
| Flowers |
| Description |
daisy with narrow, long petals on a long stalk, 7 - 10cm diameter |
| Season |
- Autumn Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.
- Spring Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.
|
| Colour |
|
| Growth Rate |
- Moderate to Fast Specifying growth rate can be very misleading as there is considerable variation of growth rate depending on type and species of plant, available water, supplementary feeding, mulching and general care, as well as the plants suitability and adaptability to the garden environment.
|
| Plant Uses |
- Attracts bees and other insects This plant attracts insects which can be food for birds or other creatures in your garden.
- Border A strip of ground, at the edge of a driveway or path in which ornamental plants or shrubs are planted.
- Container Trees, shrubs and ornamental species that can adapt to growing in a restricted environment.
- Cut Flowers Plants that provide flowers suitable for ornamental uses.
- Filler Either a fast growing tree or shrub used temporarily to fill in an area while the permanent plants grow to a desired size, or a plant used to fill gaps in borders or beds.
- Ground Cover Low-lying plants that spread fast, require minimal maintenance, and cover large expanses or bare areas between bulbs or shrubs. They provide protection from erosion and drought and improve the visual appearance of the garden.
- Interplanting Arranging and planting plants in the garden that have different blooming times and habits of growth, extending the amount of time in which the area is in flower.
- Mass Planting Plants useful for filling a large area with just one or a few kinds of plants spaced close together. Creates a bold, dramatic effect and to reduces maintenance.
- Pot Plant A plant that needs a protected environment on a patio or indoors.
- Rock Garden An area constructed of larger rocks, arranged naturally, to emphasise the use of stones as a main element. Generally plants used do not need a lot of care.
- Suitable for coastal gardens Plants adapted to dry, sandy soil, forceful wind, limited rainfall and intense sunlight.
- Wild Garden An indigenous garden planted for the benefit of wildlife and birds. Provides food, water, a variety of mini-biomes and no poisonous chemicals are used.
|
| Ad Break |
|
| Distribution |
Mpumalanga, in sandy, well-drained soils in grassland |
| Planting Suggestions |
Gerbera need well drained soil with regular feeding, especially in summer, to encourage flowering. Ensure that the crowns are not buried and drainage is efficient or the plants will rot. Remove dead heads regularly to encourage a longer flowering period. It is recommended that clumps be divided in spring.
Gerbera tend to contract some viral, bacterial and fungal diseases. I have found that fungal diseases are particularly persistent. Slugs and snails can also be problematic. |
| Medicinal Uses |
|
| Availability |
- Available The plant is currently available at our nursery.
|
Comments
barberton daisy
I live in Jo'burg, and have been looking for the old fashion Baberton, could you please advise if you know any nurseries here that actually have them. Grew many different colours double and single in Zimbabawe, but cannot find them here
Thanks
Barberton daisy
It must be over 20 years since I last saw the old-fashioned gerberas for sale in Johannesburg. Those that I have come from stock my granny grew in our garden in Johannesburg some 40 years ago. Perhaps the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, the Botanical Society in your area or one of the Indigenous Nurseries could help. Failing that, you can buy seed but it must be absolutely fresh - if it is older than 3 months, it probably will not grow.
Seed
HI, I am looking for seeds to plant, do you know were I can buy?
Regards
Ewoud
Gerbera Jamesonii seed availability
Hi Ewoud
I have tried pre-packed seed of Gerbera, occasionally found at supermarkets, nurseries and hardware stores, but not had any positive results. I do have seed for sale that is fresh, but even so, germination rate is low. If you wish to purchase seed, please email me at kumbulanursery@gmail.com, and I will supply further details.
Another reader bought rooted plants sent by speed post, and found this to be most satisfactory.
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