African Daisy

Gerbera jamesonii (GER-ber-a jay-mess-OWN-ee-eye)

Family: Asteraceae Unknown Herbaceous (1-3 ft)

Barberton daisy is a herbaceous perennial flower in the aster family with showy flowers and is native to SE Africa. This plant is the parent to many of the hybrid gerberas (Gerbera x hybrid) now available with many cultivars. The genus was named in honor of German botanist and medical doctor Traugott Gerber. The species was named for Dr. Robert Jameson who found the plant near Barberton South Africa. The flowers appear above a rosette of leaves on tall petioles and are usually in reds (rarely yellow, orange, white, pink). Most blooms occur in spring and fall but they may send up flowers at any time. In warmer climates, the leaves may persist through winter. Deadhead spent flowers. This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter in full sun. It should be kept moist and fertilized lightly. The crown should be level with the soil. Use this plant in borders, containers or in groups as an annual in colder regions or as a perennial in zones 8-11. Give it some protection from the hot afternoon sun in hot climates. These plants have deep root systems, which can make it difficult to pot up in fall for overwintering. Alternatively, keep the plant in a pot sunk to the rim in the garden during warm months and remove to a cool frost-free location with bright light and enough moisture to prevent the soil from totally drying out. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Usually no serious problems. Soggy soils can cause root rot. Watch for gray mold, powdery mildew and anthracnose. Thrips, leaf miners, spider mites, aphids and whiteflies are occasional insect visitors. Occasionally deer will damage this plant.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 57 attributes.