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Gerberas: Ultimate Flower Guide
Its simple daisy shape and bold colours have made the gerbera a modern day classic. This flower is available in both large headed and miniature forms (known as germini) and is guaranteed to add a splash of colour and cheerfulness to the home. If you want to know more about gerberas, read on to find out their meaning, history, varieties and how to care for them - both in your garden and as cut flowers.
GERBERA DAISY MEANINGS
The gerbera has different meanings to different cultures. The Egyptians believed that they symbolised a closeness to nature and a devotion to the sun, whereas the Celts thought they lessened the sorrows and stresses of everyday life.
Generally, gerberas symbolise innocence, purity, cheerfulness and loyal love.
HISTORY OF THE GERBERA FLOWER
Although the gerbera appears to be a thoroughly modern flower, it was actually named in 1737 after Traugott Gerber, a German doctor and keen botanist. The flower itself originates from South Africa, Asia, South America and Tasmania. Introduced to Britain in the nineteenth century, gerberas are a relatively new addition to the UK's floristry industry.
It's really only in the past thirty years or so that these flowers have been seen in florist shops. However, despite such a late start, the gerbera's beautiful simplicity and purity has captured the public's imagination and this humble flower is now a firm favourite in florist shops up and down the country.
A FEW FACTS ABOUT GERBERAS
These beautiful flowers are quite interesting too. Here's a few things you probably didn't know about Gerberas:
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Gerberas are the fifth most popular flower in the world.
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They are part of the Asteraceae family.
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They are available all year round making them a great option for wedding flowers.
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Over 900 million gerberas are produced in the Netherlands each year in 600 different colours, shapes and sizes - not bad for a country famous for tulips!
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Gerberas originally come from South Africa.
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Like sunflowers, gerberas turn towards the sun.
GERBERA DAISY COLOURS
Gerberas come in a range of colours from bright and fiery to soft and pastel.
Brights
Burnt orange, fiery red, sunny yellow and shocking pink
Pastels
Pale pink, soft yellow, light purple, peach and white
Dark
Maroon, bronze, deep purple and raspberry
Different colour gerberas represent different sentiments
White Gerberas
Stand for purity and innocence
Pink Gerberas
Mean admiration (perfect for a friend!)
Yellow Gerberas
Stand for cheerfulness - great for perking up a loved one
Red Gerberas
Mean "completely immersed in love" - perfect for any hopeless romantics out there
GERBERA DAISY VARIETIES
There are over 200 types of gerbera in almost every colour imaginable. The gerbera plant naturally grows low to the ground surrounded by a spray of green leaves.
Hardy gerbera 'garvinea'
This is a recent strain of gerbera to be developed and they come from several species around the world. If you want to buy some look out for Garvinea Series and Everlast Series.
Mini gerbera (germini)
As the name suggests these are smaller version of a standard gerbera daisy. The flower heads range from 7 cm up to 12 cm.
Single flowers
The most common gerbera flowers have a single row of petals and a green centre.
Double or duplex
These gerberas have two rows of overlapping petals and often have a green, black or dark red centre.
Crested doubles
These fancy gerberas have two rows of overlapping petals plus a few rows of shorter, inner petals. You'll also see a black, red or green centre.
Full crested doubles
The whole flower is made up of overlapping petals that get smaller in size as they reach the centre. The centre has no colour as the petals cover it.
GERBERA DAISY CARE TIPS
Gerbera daisies are so cheerful you'll want to keep them around as long as possible. Here's how to get the most from your cut gerbera flowers:
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If looked after well, gerberas have a vase life of around 7-10 days.
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Make sure your vase is thoroughly cleaned prior to adding your gerberas. They are particularly susceptible to bacteria blocking the stems which will make them droop. Try using some bleach and hot water to get your vase ready.
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Cut the stems at an angle and immediately place into fresh, clean, shallow water. Make sure you add flower food to keep bacteria at bay.
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Place them away from heat as gerbera flowers prefer cooler temperatures.
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Replace the water every 2-3 days to reduce the build up of bacteria.
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Style tip Gerberas last longer in vases when they are secured in floral foam.
