Landscape Gerbera Cultural Information
Bred at Florist Holland BV, the Landscape series of gerbera (gerbera jamesonii) is a cross between gerberas grown for cut flowers along with the hexagonal selection. Long-lasting blooms on plants that grow well indoors or out, only a dozen varieties will be available as of November 2012, however more may be forthcoming. Landscape gerberas might also be labelled “Lollipop” gerberas or Barberton or Transvaal daisies. Landscape daisies can grow outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 11 and 12, but will need protection if an unusual cold snap brings frost.
Characteristics
Landscape gerberas flower prolifically from spring to fall. The plants can produce up to 50 vibrant, 5-inch blooms in a season. At only 18 inches tall, the plants might be clustered in pots to get a burst of attractiveness on the patio, indoors or to brighten entryways and poolside locations. Outdoors, the plants are great for boundary specimens. Cut the flowers at their peak for permanent new flower arrangements or to display in vases. Flower color is dependent upon cultivar. “Everglades” includes bicolor pink blossoms, while “Pacific Rim” has pink and dark pink blossoms. “Mammoth Cave” has white blooms with dark eyes, and the blossoms on “Rocky Mountain” are peach. Yellow and orange blossoms blossom on “Yellowstone.” In recent decades, a red selection, “Redwood,” was introduced, along with “Kings Canyon,” a yellow-and-orange selection. “Bighorn” includes hot-pink blossoms, “Arcadia” creates white blossoms and “Klondike” produces gold orange, double blooms.
Soil Requirements
Coarse growing medium for pots or a loose, coarse soil is ideal for growing Landscape gerberas. Clay soils are too dense and heavy for ideal growing conditions. Excellent drainage is essential both outdoors and in containers. Outdoors, choose a website in semi-shade or that gets only morning sunlight. Landscape gerberas don’t grow well in full sun. The soil pH should be between 5.2 and 5.8. To develop in containers, choose a pot at least 8 inches in diameter, to give young plants room to develop. Outdoors and in, gerberas should be implanted with the crown of the roots slightly above the soil line.
Watering
Landscape gerbera daisies require plenty of water but should be watered at soil level or in early morning so the foliage will dry by nightfall. This helps prevent diseases. Potted landscape gerbera might need water as often as once every day, according to the breeder’s site, but excellent drainage is as important as constant watering so the soil remains moist but not soggy. To keep the plants compact, allow the soil to become slightly dry between waterings.
Fertilizing
If the Landscape gerbera’s leaf works either deep or yellow green, a nutritional deficiency might be to blame. The breeder’s site recommends using a general-purpose, slow-release or pelleted fertilizer to feed Landscape gerberas. The soil pH should be rechecked annually or when the leaf looks discolored. Extra soil salinity, improper pH level and also much or too little water from the soil can interfere with the plant’s capability to generate use of nutrients from the soil.
General Maintenance
In the fall, after flowering and energetic growth is completed, you can prune old leaf by cutting near the base of this plant. Remove spent flowers to produce the Landscape gerbera plant look neater, and cut back on watering until springtime. Monitor plants for leaf miners, thrips, aphids, slugs, snails and spider mites. If pesticides are used to control insects, then it shouldn’t be sprayed on the blooms. Fungicides may be employed on Landscape gerbera plants in spring to help prevent diseases like powdery mildew.