Flower Library
Gerberas
Gerbera jamesonii · Asteraceae
Gerberas are clean, cheerful flowers — a single large bloom on a long stem, in nearly every color imaginable. Available year-round from greenhouses, they're one of the most cost-effective cut flowers for visual impact.
- Season
- Year-round
- Vase life
- 7–14 days
- Latin name
- Gerbera jamesonii
- Colors
- White, Yellow, Orange, Pink, Hot pink, Red, Bordeaux, Bicolor
Classic large gerberas (mini 35–45 cm stem, standard 50–70 cm) and double varieties (‘Pomponi'). Colors run from soft pastels to bold pinks and oranges.
Gerberas are thirsty but their stems bend easily. The trick: only 5–10 cm deep in the vase — deeper water swells the stem and it kinks at the waterline.
In a bouquet, gerberas read as standalone statements — they work well solo, but are a bit trickier in mixed arrangements because they don't ‘knit' easily.
Is Gerberas toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Non-toxic
- Cats
- Non-toxic
- Dogs
- Non-toxic
Non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA). Large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset like any plant; keep stale vase water away from pets.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Use only 5–10 cm of water — deeper water swells stems and they kink.
- 02Cut stems at an angle, strip lower leaves.
- 03Change water every 2 days, rinse vase well.
- 04Stems are sometimes stabilized with wire — leave it in, it's normal.
- 05Keep cool, out of direct sun.
Frequently asked
- Why do my gerberas kink so easily?
- Too deep in water. Stems absorb water, swell and kink. Solution: only fill 5–10 cm.
- Do gerberas only last 3 days?
- No — with proper care gerberas last 10–14 days. If you only get 3 days, either the water was too deep or the vase wasn't cleaned between changes.
- Are gerberas toxic to cats or dogs?
- No. Gerberas (Gerbera jamesonii) are listed as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses by the ASPCA. As with any plant, large amounts may cause mild stomach upset, and stale vase water should be kept out of reach of pets.
- When are gerberas in season?
- Gerberas have no real season — they come from greenhouses year-round, mainly from the Netherlands, plus Kenya and Colombia. That's why they're always available and very consistent in quality.
- Do gerberas have a scent?
- No, gerberas are practically scentless. That makes them a good choice for anyone sensitive to strong floral fragrances — their impact is purely about color and form.