Flower Encyclopedia
Gerbera Daisy
Gerbera jamesonii
Big, bold, single-bloom daisies in pure saturated colors — the definition of a cheerful flower.
Written by the Burton Floral Design team · Published July 24, 2026
At A Glance
Typical vase life
5–10 days
Availability
Year-round
Peak months
Year-round
Cost
Budget-friendly
Fragrance
Little to none
Pollen
Low
Care
Moderate
Out of water
Under 2 hours
Heat tolerance
Moderate
Cold tolerance
Low
Outdoor events
Fair
Around pets
Lower risk
Pets in the house? Lower risk.
Gerbera daisies are widely regarded as a lower-risk flower to have around cats and dogs, though no flower should be treated as edible. If a pet chews on an arrangement, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service.
What It Means
Gerbera daisies stand for cheerfulness, innocence, and lighthearted happiness, and their large, clean faces make them a natural symbol of joy and encouragement. They carry the friendly openness of a daisy on a bigger, more colorful scale.
Colors it comes in
red · orange · yellow · pink · coral · white · hot pink · peach
Coordinates beautifully with
bright green · sunny yellow · hot pink · white
Season & Sourcing
Gerbera daisies are greenhouse-grown for the US market year-round in a wide color range, so supply is steady across seasons. Both standard large-headed and smaller mini types are broadly available.
Vase life, honestly
Gerberas last five to ten days but have hollow stems prone to bending at the neck and to clogging. Clean, shallow-to-moderate water and support for the heads make the biggest difference.
Fragrance
Gerbera daisies are essentially unscented, which makes them a considerate choice for offices, dining tables, and scent-sensitive recipients.
Keeping It Alive
- 1Recut the hollow stems at an angle and place them in clean water only a few inches deep.
- 2Keep the water shallow and change it often — deep or dirty water rots the stems quickly.
- 3Support the heads if they start to droop, using a grid or narrow-necked vase.
- 4Keep them out of direct sun and away from heat sources.
- 5Recut stems each time you change the water to keep them drinking.
What it costs: Gerbera daisies offer a lot of color for the money and sit at the affordable end of the range. Larger premium-grade heads and specialty bicolor types cost somewhat more.
Where It Shines
At weddings
Gerberas bring bold, playful color to casual and modern weddings, working well in single-color bouquets and lively mixed centerpieces. Mini gerberas suit boutonnieres and tighter compositions where the standard heads would be too large.
In sympathy work
Bright gerberas suit celebration-of-life services and arrangements meant to feel uplifting rather than somber. White and soft tones offer a gentler option for more traditional sympathy pieces.
Every day
A top choice for get-well and congratulations bouquets thanks to their instantly cheerful faces and broad color range. A handful in a single vivid color makes a simple, high-impact gift.
Can't Get It? Try
A Little History
Gerberas are native to South Africa and were named after the German naturalist Traugott Gerber. Since their introduction to horticulture in the late 1800s, they have become one of the most popular cut flowers in the world, ranking among the top few by volume traded.
Questions People Ask
Why does my gerbera daisy flop over at the neck?
Gerberas have hollow stems that bend easily and can clog, cutting off water to the heavy head. Keep the water clean and shallow, recut the stems often, and use a vase or grid that supports the top of the stem.
How deep should the water be for gerberas?
Only a few inches — gerbera stems rot in deep or dirty water, which shortens their life. Shallow, frequently changed clean water keeps them drinking without breaking down.
Do gerbera daisies have a scent?
No, gerberas are effectively unscented, which makes them a good pick for dinner tables, workplaces, and anyone sensitive to strong flower fragrance.
Are gerbera daisies okay around pets?
Gerberas are generally considered lower-risk around cats and dogs, but no flower is meant to be eaten. If a pet chews on an arrangement, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service.
Go Deeper, Free
Understanding Flower Meanings
The Complete Language of Flowers, From Rose Colors to Birth Month Blooms
The Flower Care Handbook
How to Keep Your Flowers Fresh, Beautiful, and Long-Lasting
Choosing the Right Flowers for Every Occasion
A Confident Decision Framework for Birthdays, Romance, Sympathy, and Everything Between
From profile to porch
Love This Flower? Send It Today
Browse arrangements featuring the flowers you just read about — designed with the same honesty you found here.