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Know your flower: Gerberas
Gerberas daisies are one of the most popular flowers to send to a loved one. They have bright bursting colours and compliment many different types of bouquet but how much do you really know about these gorgeous bold beauties. Well wonder no more, weβre going to tell you all about them.
Where they come from
Gerberas are a type of daisy that originates from the dry plains of South Africa where they can still be found growing wild. They were first documented in 1880 by Robert Jameson and were named after the German botanistΒ TraugottΒ Gerber. They come in many different varieties with over 40 recorded species and grow in a range of bright and beautiful colours.
Where and how they grow
They can be grown from seeds or from cuttings of older plants.They love full sunlight and generally do better in sandy soil. They can be grown indoors or outdoors and are pretty resistant to hot and cold winters.
How big do they grow
It varies quite a lot but some of them can grow as big as 12cm in diameter. Most of the time they average between 7-10cm. At their tallest, they can grow as high as 30cm.
How to look after them
If youβre growing them for yourself make sure they are well drained as their roots can be badly affected by fungal rot. Itβs also a good idea to keep them well-fed with natural seaweed fertiliser when growing them. In all cases put them in place with lots of brightΒ sunshine and they will love you for it.
How they work with animals
Gerberas with their bright petals are highly attractive to bees and butterflies and are often used to encourage them into gardens. Unfortunately, if youβre growing them for yourself they are also a target for pests such as caterpillars, so keep an eye on their leaves and stems.
What people use them for
Of course, they are mostly used for decorative purposes due to their bright and vivid colours. They can easily liven up a room or can be used to cheer up a friend or relative when they are recovering from an illness. They are also ideal to reaffirm your love on an anniversary or just to warm a new home.
How long they live
Gerberas are known for their long lifespan, which is one of the reasons they are so popular as cut flowers. They can last up to two weeks in a vase!
Superpowers
Gerberas are sometimes used to help people sleep. A vase of gerberas by your bedside emit oxygen and absorb toxins in the air like carbon dioxide so can help you get a better nightβs rest. They also like sunflowers intuitively follow the sun during the day.
Where youβve probably seen them before
As the fifth most commercially used flower in the world, youβve probably seen them in a bold, bright bouquet of flowers paired with other colourful favourites like roses and carnations.
Fun facts
There is no such thing as a blue gerbera. They just donβt exist. Youβll find them in red, yellow, pink and orange but never blue. If you see a blue gerbera it is probably artificial. Their head is also not just one single flower but a cluster of hundreds of little flowers.
Why we love them
Just look at how colourful they look! They have a bit of everything a long life, a beautiful shape, strong bright colours and they just make you feel happy when you see them. We think you or a special someone would love them too.
Thereβs certainly a lot to know about gerbera daisies whether youβre growing or gifting them. No matter the colour and no matter where you place them theyβre sure to brighten up someoneβs day.
Do you know someone who would appreciate a bright surprise on a special occasion with a bouquet of these beautiful vivid flowers? Take a look at our wideΒ catalogue of gerberasΒ that you can send to over 100 countries worldwide.
