Gerbera Daisies

The big, bright and bold flowers of Gerbera Daisies bring smiles and happiness wherever they bloom.  They resemble pinwheels of color with their large flowering heads that are prominent on straight stems.  Unlike most flowers that cater to one design style, Gerbera Daisies are verstile, lending their beauty to many looks from country classic to modern chic.  They come in a spectacular palette of colors that make a splash in the summer sun and add a cheerful and bold presence in the garden.

Each Gerbera bloom can be as large as 4 or 5 inches across.  The foliage grows as a low mound of green leaves that is attractive against the bright flowers.  Native to South Africa, Gerberas are actually perennials in warm climates.  However, in the Pacific Northwest, they are grown as an annual or as an indoor plant.  They also make fabulous cut flowers, gracing your indoors with their beauty throughout the summer months.  

You can keep Gerberas indoors as a potted houseplant or plant them outside after our last Northwest frost has past.  Place them in a sunny location with well-drained soil.  Like most summer annuals, Gerbera's are heavy feeders, so make sure your fertilize weekly with a water soluble fertilizer, like Al's 20-9-20.  To keep them healthy and blooming throughout the summer, you'll also want to regularly deadhead the spent blooms by cutting them at the base of their stem.

Add one of nature's most playful and popular flower to your landscape this summer by planting Gerbera Daisies.  They are sure to make a bold statement.