Gerbera Daisy
Scientific Name: Gerbera jamesonii
Common Names: Gerbera Daisy, Transvaal Daisy, Barberton Daisy
Native to: South Africa
Lighting requirements: Full to part sun
Height: 10 to 18 inches
Width: 9 to 12 inches
Winter look: Herbaceous (dies back to the ground)
Seasonal interest: Spring to fall flowers
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Soil requirements: Well-draining, fertile soil
pH range: 5.5 to 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 to 11
Deer Resistance: Moderate
Attracts: Bees, butterflies
Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans and pets
Notes: Requires good air circulation to prevent disease; avoid overhead watering to prevent rot. Suitable for containers or garden beds. Powdery mildew is common with these guys. They also seem to be heavy feeders, so fertilize regularly.
I love, love, love these flowers! Problem is...they don't love me! I buy and kill them every year, each time thinking it will be different. I promise, one day I will update this with the perfect instructions to have and keep these beauties alive and thriving.
Today, all I can tell you is what I've tried:
In the ground - died
In the ground with compost added - survived 2 seasons, looking sad, though
In a pot with Happy Frog Soil - Happier plant, died in winter
In a pot with Miracle Gro Soil - died in the summer
I've tried mixing in cornmeal to prevent powdery mildew. It still got it. Spraying with Neem helped, though. I do have a bad habit of watering in the evenings, so that is part of the issue.
These guys technically can survive here in our zone, and figuring them out is a personal goal! If you have been successful with them thriving through multiple seasons, please reach out. I would be forever grateful for any advice I can use and pass along.