Gerbera

Gerbera is a genus of flowering plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae) comprising about 30 species of herbaceous perennials and rhizomatous plants. They are named after the German naturalist Traugott Gerber. The most widely cultivated form is Gerbera × hybrida, a hybrid developed from several African species and bred for garden and cut-flower use.

Plants typically form a clump of leaves at the base and rise a flowering stalk bearing a composite flower head that resembles a daisy. The ray florets are colorful and surround a central disc of tubular florets. Flower colors range from white, yellow, orange and pink to red, and the heads can be fairly large in size.

Most species are native to Africa, particularly eastern and southern regions. The cultivated G. × hybrida is grown commercially worldwide in temperate and tropical climates, in greenhouses and outdoor borders. They are generally grown as annuals in cool temperate zones and as perennials in frost-free areas.

Gerberas prefer well-drained, fertile soil and a sunny to lightly shaded site. They require regular watering but dislike waterlogged conditions. Temperature preferences center around mild warmth, roughly 15–25°C, with frost harming the plants. Propagation is by seed for some cultivars or by division of mature clumps; hybrids are often propagated vegetatively or by seeds.

Uses include ornamental plantings in borders and containers and as cut flowers, valued for their long vase life. They can be affected by pests such as aphids, thrips, and spider mites, and diseases including powdery mildew, Botrytis blight and root rot.