Gerbera Daisy
By: Kimberly Halls
Horticulture Plant Science 211
History
Common Name: Gerbera Daisy
Family Name: Asteraceae
The Gerbera is an ornamental plant from the sunflower family that got its name in honor of a German naturalist,Traugott Gerber. The first scientific discovery of a Gerbera was made in 1889 by J.D. Hooker.
Introduction
A Gerbera has a capitulum, which looks like a single flower, is actually composed of hundreds of individual flowers. The capitulum is made up of 2-lipped ray florets, which come in colors of yellow, orange, white, pink, or red. The morphology of the flower varies depending on the position of the capitulum.
Uses
There are around 30 different wild species of Gerbera. This is a very popular flower that is used as a decorative garden plant or as a cut flower. A Gerbera can vary in its shape, color, and size. One flower can have different color petals. The Gerbera is mostly commercially used as a cut flower.
General Information
- Annuals or Tropicals/Tender Perennials
- Height of 6-12 inches or 12-18 inches
- Spacing of 12-15 inches
- Hardiness best in USDA Zones 9a, 9b, 10a, and 10b
- Likes full sun expose
- Foliage is Herbaceous
- Attracts bees, birds, and butterflies
- Needs constant moisture in soil