If you’re thinking about adding Gerberas to your home or garden, get ready—you’re in for a serious “paradox of choice” moment! These beauties come in an incredible array of colors, and the bloom sizes vary just as much. Beyond the obvious looks, different varieties have their own unique quirks that make them special.
Hundreds of Varieties to Explore
Originally, Gerberas are tropical natives. In the wild, you’ll find them soaking up the sun in Africa, Madagascar, and tropical regions across Asia. South Africa is the real hotspot, though, boasting 18 different species. All in all, there are about 30 known species of Gerbera, which breeders have transformed into hundreds of stunning cultivars for us to enjoy.
Size Matters: Big and Small Blooms
When you’re browsing the garden center, you’ll notice that Gerberas aren’t just about color; they come in different “size classes” too. Generally, you’ll run into three main types:
- Giant Gerberas: These showstoppers can have blooms up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter.
- Standard Gerberas: The classic choice, with flowers reaching about 5 inches (13 cm) across.
- Mini Gerberas: Small but mighty, these cute blooms top out at around 3 inches (8 cm).
A Rainbow of Options
The color palette for Gerberas is where things get really fun. We’re talking everything from electric yellows and fiery reds to a massive selection of soft, dreamy pastels. This variety makes them a florist’s dream for bouquets, but it’s also great for home gardeners who want to color-coordinate their flower beds with the rest of their landscaping.
Can Gerberas Handle the Cold?
Since they hail from the tropics, most Gerberas aren’t exactly fans of a chilly North American winter. However, there is one standout group known as Garvinea that actually has some impressive cold tolerance. You can keep these in the ground year-round, provided you give them a little “winter coat” of straw or garden fleece when the temperatures really start to dive.
Here are a few popular Garvinea varieties to look for:
- Garvinea Sunny: Bright, cheerful yellow blooms.
- Garvinea Sophie: Bold, intense red flowers.
- Garvinea Vivian: Soft, pale yellow petals.
- Garvinea Sweet Surprise: Stunning violet-toned blossoms.
