Barberton Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Barberton daisy, also called gerbera daisy, is a parent of many colorful florist gerberas. It comes from southern Africa and is grown in U.S. gardens and containers for its bright flowers.

Appearance

Growth form: Leaves form a low clump, with leafless flower stalks rising about 1–1.5 ft (0.3–0.45 m).
Flowers: Each stalk carries one large flower head, often red, orange, or yellow, with a darker center.
Flowering time: In U.S. gardens, it blooms most in spring and fall, though warm sites may have flowers at other times.

Look-alikes

Treasure flowerGazania rigens

Treasure flower usually stays lower, with flower stems up to about 10 in (25 cm). Barberton daisy sends single flowers above a taller clump of leaves on long, leafless stalks.

Why they get mixed upBoth have colorful, daisy-shaped flower heads.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Garden beds
Containers
Cut flower plantings
Range: Native to southern Africa; in the United States it is chiefly grown as an ornamental.
Preferred conditions: It likes sun and rich, well-drained soil. In hot areas, some afternoon shade helps.

Growing it

Care: It can live through winter outdoors in 8–10; colder places often grow it as an or keep pots indoors.

Name and classification

About the name: Flower photos alone may not separate garden from this species.
Varieties and forms: Garden selections range from simple, daisy-shaped blooms to flowers with extra rows of petals.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: The name Barberton daisy recalls the South African town near where this species was found.

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