Gerbera jamesonii
Gerbera jamesonii is a South African species that underpins most modern gerbera hybrids. Plants form a basal rosette of leaves and send up daisy-like blooms on sturdy stems. In North America it is a tender perennial and is often grown as an annual. Plants prefer sun with afternoon shade in hot areas and require sharply drained soil. Crowns must sit slightly above the soil line to reduce rot. This species is reliable in containers and can overwinter outdoors only in the warmest zones.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: species
- Height × spread: 12 to 18 in × 12 to 18 in (30 to 45 cm × 30 to 45 cm)
- Bloom window: spring and fall in warm climates; summer in cooler areas
- Color & flower form: single daisy capitula in red, orange, pink, yellow, and white
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: zones 8 to 10; grown as annual farther north
- Breeder / Year / Origin: wild species; year unknown; South Africa
- Awards/registration: none
- Cut-flower notes: stems are strong; typical vase life 7 to 12 days with proper conditioning
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Species form with rosette leaves and taller flowering stems.
- Less tolerant of cold and winter wet than garden-bred lines.
- Bloom peaks in mild seasons rather than all summer.
Strengths
- Classic daisy blooms with good stem strength.
- Performs well in containers with good drainage.
- Parent of many hybrid series available to gardeners.
Care in one minute
- Full sun with afternoon shade in hot climates.
- Fertile, well-drained soil kept slightly dry at the crown.
- Water at the base to keep foliage and crown dry.
- Feed every 3 to 4 weeks during active growth.
- Deadhead entire spent stems to encourage more buds.
- Overwinter indoors in bright, cool conditions where winters freeze.
Watch‑outs
- Susceptible to crown rot in poorly drained or wet soils.
- Thrips and mites can blemish blooms and foliage.
- Frost damages foliage; protect or grow as an annual outside zones 8 to 10.
Best uses (tags)
containers; borders; cutting; pollinators; warm-climate perennial
Provenance note
Native to Mpumalanga and adjacent regions of South Africa. Named for Robert Jameson, who collected it near Barberton in the late nineteenth century.
References
- NCSU Extension – Gerbera jamesonii
- SANBI – Gerbera jamesonii profile
- Clemson HGIC – Gerbera Daisy care
- MDPI Horticulturae – Vase life of cut gerbera (research)
- ASPCA – Gerber Daisy (non-toxic to pets)
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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