The Fascinating and Beautiful Gerbera Daisies
Gerbera daisies are some of the most beautiful, captivating flowers you can find. They belong to the large sunflower family and provide a real aesthetic impact due to their unique form and variety of colors. The flower is often used in flower arrangements, bouquets, and other decorative forms and has been loved by people around the world for centuries.
Origins and History of Gerbera Daisies
Gerbera daisies were first discovered in South Africa in the 19th century by Robert Jameson, a botanist. He named the flower after a German doctor and botanist, Traugott Gerber, and the daisy part of its name is because of its large, flat, centre disk.
The flower soon spread throughout the world, becoming very popular in countries such as the UK and the United States. In 1903, it was introduced to the UK and by the 1930s, it had started to be extensively cultivated, with growers producing more colourful varieties.
Available Varieties of Gerbera Daisies
Gerbera daisies come in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colours. The flowers come in large blooms, with a diameter of between 10 and 20 centimetres and up to 2 metres in height, which makes them perfect for flower arrangements. The plants themselves come in a variety of shapes, such as rosettes and long stems, and the blooms can come in a single or double form.
The flowers come in a range of vivid colours, including yellow, pink, red, white, orange and even purples. This wide range of colours makes them a favourite for weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions, especially when combined with complementary flowers and plants.
Caring for Gerbera Daisies
Gerbera daisies need well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, with at least six hours of sunlight per day for optimum growth. They are also sensitive to temperature, so too much heat or cold can be damaging to them.
When it comes to water, these flowers require moderate levels, from twice a week to twice a month depending on the climate. During the summer, they can be watered up to twice a week, while during winter months they should be watered twice a month.
Symbolism Behind Gerbera Daisies
The Gerbera daisy is often seen as a symbol of innocence and purity, with its bright and cheerful blooms a representation of hope, joy and life. It is also seen as a symbol of beauty, thanks to its unique and distinctive colours, shapes and sizes.
The flower is also used as a symbol of friendship and loyalty, making it a popular choice for wedding bouquets and other social occasions. Its cheerful, vibrant blooms also make it a great choice for celebrations such as birthdays and graduations.
Conclusion
Gerbera daisies are some of the most beautiful and captivating flowers in the world. Their unique form, colour and size make them highly attractive and popular for many occasions. Not only do they brighten up a home or garden, but they also act as a symbol of friendship and loyalty, making them a perfect gift for friends and loved ones. Adding Gerbera into your flower displays or arrangements is sure to bring a cheerful glow to any occasion.