© RHS/Julian Weigall

Introducing...

Gerbera

In cheerful, warm colours or cooler pastels, gerberas bloom throughout the summer months. They have long been grown as houseplants, summer bedding and for cut flowers, and new hardy forms are further increasing their versatility and appeal.

Looks

The bold daisy flowers come in a wide array of colours – reds, oranges, yellows, purples, pinks and white – often rich and vibrant but also softer tones. These long-lasting flowers stand above dense clumps of foliage.

Likes

Gerberas enjoy a sheltered, sunny spot, either indoors or out, in fertile, well-drained soil or compost. They are happy in temperatures between 10–20°C (50–68°F).  

Dislikes

Most dislike winter cold and wet. Tender gerberas won't survive below 5°C (41°F), and even hardy forms are best kept frost free. In damp conditions they are prone to rotting.

Did you know?

Gerberas make great cut flowers, so if you grow them outdoors, do pick them for indoor displays too. They generally last in a vase for over a week, especially in cooler temperatures. If the flowers start to droop, remove the lower section of stem and refill the vase with fresh water.

Growing guide

Gerberas we recommend

Useful advice

Bedding plants and displays

Bedding plants and displays

Cut flowers: growing and selection

Cut flowers: growing and selection

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Grey mould

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.