Flower of the month: Gerbera

Celebrate the sunny Gerbera

It is time to celebrate the sunny Gerbera, one of those plants that can uplift a garden, patio or balcony. With its vibrant colours and length of flowering, it is a must for any gardener who wants a zing of zest that's easy caring. Did you know that Gerbera's are great for bees and butterflies? We've put together this information to help you grow some sunny Gerbera's.

Choose your colour

The colourful Gerbera is from the Daisy family but unlike the daisy, they aren't only white. Gerbera's are available in many very vibrant colours from yellow and orange to pink and red so that they can complement any garden. Pick your colour or mix them up!

Growing tips for celebrating the sunny Gerbera

Gerbera's are easy to grow but just make sure you know which type you have. Most are tender and treated as annuals, but there are now a few perennial Gerberas available named 'Everlast Series' and 'Garvinea Series'. Tender plants can be grown inside the home on a sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse border. In the summer and in mild parts they can be developed for a more extended season outside. Hardy varieties can be grown out all year in a container or a garden border. When the flower finishes, cut back the stem right down to the foliage and you will see more flowers unfurling over the year.

Ensure they last longer

When you pick your plant make sure it is healthy with no dead, damaged or diseased foliage or flowers as this will give you the best chance of a robust and healthy plant with lots of flowers to come.

Celebrate the sunny Gerbera and get some planting inspiration

There are so many photos of Gerberas online, and there is no wonder why. The vibrant petals are a magnet for bees and butterflies, and if you browse online, you will see plenty of ideas for planting and lots of photographs of insects enjoying them just as much as gardeners.

Plant amongst other perennials

Tender Gerbera's can be used to plant around other perennials to fill in any bare patches of soil, and the colours can complement a whole load of planting schemes. If you have a patio or balcony, pot them up in containers and place them where you will most enjoy the bright colours and where you can watch the bees and butterflies enjoying them as well.