Overview
Gerbera 'Don Leo' is a clump forming conservatory greenhouse in the genus Gerbera, part of the Asteraceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Gerbera 'Don Leo' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, conservatory and greenhouse, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Gerbera 'Don Leo' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae grown for its summer display and use as a cut flower. It carries semi-evergreen rosettes of leaves and produces daisy-like blooms from June to September. Best grown under glass or in containers in a sheltered, south- or west-facing position on loam with a neutral pH and good drainage.
About the genus
Gerbera L. is a genus of plants in the Asteraceae (Compositae) family. The first scientific description of a Gerbera was made by J. D.
Wikipedia contributors, "Gerbera", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gerbera
In the garden
Gerbera 'Don Leo' belongs to the genus Gerbera within the Asteraceae and is cultivated primarily as a conservatory or container perennial. It forms compact clumps with semi-evergreen foliage and flowers through June to September, making it a reliable summer producer where conditions suit. As a tender plant (H1c), it is intended for frost-free situations or for locations where plants can be moved under cover until risk of frost has passed. Position plants in full sun on a south- or west-facing aspect with shelter from cold winds. Use a loam-based, neutral compost that drains freely; standing water will quickly undermine the crown. Growers in the UK commonly keep Gerbera 'Don Leo' in pots or tubs for easy overwintering in a cool, frost-free greenhouse or conservatory. Regular watering in the growing season is important, but allow the surface to dry slightly between thorough waterings to avoid waterlogged roots. This cultivar suits patio and container displays, conservatory and greenhouse culture, cutting for vases, and planting at the front of flower borders and beds where a sheltered summer position is available. For cutting, harvest stems when flowers are fully open and remove spent heads promptly to encourage continued bloom through the June–September period.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gerbera
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1c
Plant details
Gerbera 'Don Leo' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Conservatory and greenhouse, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gerbera 'Don Leo'
- Propagation
- Division in early spring, Basal cuttings, Heel cuttings from side shoots in summer
- Pest resistance
- Glasshouse whitefly, Chrysanthemum leaf miner, Aphids, Tarsonemid mites
- Disease resistance
- Grey moulds, Leaf spot, Root rot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Gerbera 'Don Leo'?
Gerbera 'Don Leo' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gerbera 'Don Leo' need?
Gerbera 'Don Leo' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Gerbera 'Don Leo' hardy in the UK?
Gerbera 'Don Leo' has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Gerbera 'Don Leo'?
Division in early spring, Basal cuttings, Heel cuttings from side shoots in summer.
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