Overview
Gerbera jamesonii is a perennial in the genus Gerbera, part of the Asteraceae family. Gerbera jamesonii grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils and acidic to neutral pH. Suggested uses include borders, containers and cut flowers. It is native to Swaziland, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Northern Provinces.
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 jamesonii is a perennial member of the daisy family originating from south-eastern Africa (Swaziland, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Northern Provinces). In UK gardens it produces its main display from June to September and is grown where prominent daisy-like flowerheads are required for borders, containers or cutting. Site the plants where they receive full sun or some afternoon shelter in partial shade; both aspects are suitable. Choose a free-draining sandy or loamy compost with an acidic to neutral pH and avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. Keep soil moisture moderate—regular watering during dry spells sustains flowering, but persistent saturation should be avoided because well-drained conditions are important for root health. Barberton daisies suit planted groupings at the front of mixed borders or in pots and tubs on patios where the flowers can be appreciated at eye level. They are also grown specifically for cut-flower use, making them useful where stems are required for arranging. Position plants where flowers are accessible for picking to make best use of their cutting potential.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gerbera
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy or loamy
- Soil pH
- acidic to neutral
- Soil moisture
- moderate
Plant details
Gerbera jamesonii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, containers, cut flowers
- Native to
- Swaziland, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Provinces
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gerbera jamesonii
- Cultivation
- Requires well-drained soil and regular watering; avoid waterlogging
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Gerbera jamesonii?
Requires well-drained soil and regular watering; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Gerbera jamesonii?
Gerbera jamesonii prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Gerbera jamesonii need?
Gerbera jamesonii grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil. It prefers acidic to neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Gerbera jamesonii?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
How do I propagate Gerbera jamesonii?
Seed, division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Gerbera genus
- Gerbera 'Jacky'African Daisy
- Gerbera 'Belfi'PBRAfrican Daisy
- Gerbera 'Don Leo'African Daisy
- Gerbera 'Eclair'African Daisy
- Gerbera 'Pelican'PBRAfrican Daisy