Gerbera bouquet: colour meanings, types and care

The gerbera is one of the most cheerful flowers: its large, brightly coloured "daisies" lift the mood at first sight. Here is where gerberas come from, what their colours mean, which varieties are used in bouquets, what to pair them with and how to keep them from drooping in the vase. More flowers with photos, names and meanings are in our guide to types of flowers.

You can order bright gerberas in our flowers in a box and flowers for a colleague sections.

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What a gerbera is

The Barberton daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) is native to South Africa and is sometimes called the Transvaal daisy. The genus is named after the German botanist Traugott Gerber. As with a daisy, a gerbera "flower" is actually a flower head made up of hundreds of tiny florets. Cut gerberas are grown in greenhouses, mainly in the Netherlands, so they are available all year round. For growing them at home or in the garden, see "Gerbera: growing guide".

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Types of gerberas

• Large-flowered — 10–12 cm heads, striking in single-variety bouquets.
• Mini gerberas (germini) — 5–7 cm, handy for small and children's bouquets.
• Double and semi-double — with several rows of petals.
• Spider — with narrow, finely cut petals.
• Bicoloured — with a contrasting centre or petal tips.

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What the colour means

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What to pair gerberas with

• Single-variety bouquet — 9–25 gerberas in one or several colours.
• With roses and chrysanthemums — a bright mixed birthday bouquet.
• With alstroemerias and hypericum — a warm "autumn" palette.
• With sunflowers — a sunny summer bouquet; ideas in "Sunflower bouquet".
• With greenery — eucalyptus, ruscus, salal.

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How to keep them from drooping

• Little water. Gerberas need only 5–7 cm of water: submerged stems rot quickly.
• A clean vase and fresh water every day or two; bacteria are the main reason heads droop.
• An angled cut of 1–2 cm with a sharp knife every 2–3 days.
• Support. Florists slip clear tubes over the stems or use narrow-necked vases so the heavy heads don't bend.
• Revival. A drooping gerbera can often be revived: recut the stem, wrap it in paper and stand it in shallow cool water for a few hours.

With good care gerberas last 7–14 days.

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Who to give gerberas to

Gerberas are a versatile gift without too much romance: for colleagues, friends, teachers, children and men. People choose them to celebrate a success or a birthday, to wish someone a quick recovery or simply to cheer them up.

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Where the gerbera comes from and how it got its name

The gerbera is native to South Africa. The wild Gerbera jamesonii grows on grassy slopes around the town of Barberton, which is why it is still called the Barberton daisy in English. Scientists described it in the late 19th century, while the genus had already been named after the German physician and botanist Traugott Gerber.

Breeders made the gerbera truly popular: by crossing wild species they created large flower heads in every colour except blue. Today the main growers of cut gerberas are the Netherlands, Kenya and Colombia, from where the flowers reach Ukrainian florists.

Potted gerbera: will it thrive at home

Potted gerberas are sold compact, with several flowers at once. To keep yours blooming longer:

• place it on the brightest windowsill — without strong light, stems stretch and buds fail to open;
• water around the edge of the pot or into the saucer, never into the centre of the rosette, as the crown rots easily;
• keep it cool, 18–22 °C, away from radiators;
• twist off spent flowers at the base, stem and all.

In winter a gerbera needs a rest with less water. Many people treat it as a seasonal plant, but with good light it can flower again the following spring.

FAQ

How long do gerberas last in a vase?

7–14 days in shallow water that is changed daily.

Why has my gerbera drooped?

Usually because of bacteria in the water or a stem placed too deep.

What does a gerbera symbolise?

Joy, cheerfulness and sincerity; the colour adds nuance.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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