Gerberas

The Classic one!

When children draw a flower they usually draw a Daisy or a Gerbera: the most classic form of a flower with large heads seated between a vibrant rainbow of coloured petals. Bright or hot pink, deep purple, cream white, blood red and sunflower yellow, even bi-colour petals: these flowers come in the most gorgeous colours.
The Gerbera daisy was discovered in 1884 in South Africa, by Scotsman Robert Jameson, hence the flower’s scientific name: Gerbera Jamesonii. In 1890 breeding programs began in England. The English name, Daisy, came from “day's eye”, since the flower opens and closes with the dawn and sunset. The English even have sayings with daisies:

“Spring has not come until you can set your foot on twelve daises”!

As with most commercial cut flowers, the Gerbera daisies were adopted by growers in Holland where most cut Gerberas are grown and distributed from. In terms of volume sold the Gerbera ranks as the fifth most popular flower in the world following the rose, the carnation, chrysanthemums, and the classic tulip.

Gerberas stand for innocence and purity, as they are a classic symbol of beauty. But the Gerbera is mostly popular because it is a happy flower, the kind of flower that can cheer somebody up. In other words the perfect gift for a “get well soon bouquet”, a birthday, or saying congratulations or thank you.

Daisies are the birth flowers of the star sign Leo (July 23 – August 21) and represent the fact that Leo tends to be the centre of attention as a loving, faithful and tender friend.

Blossom and Twigs sources Gerberas from several places, depending on the season, and we always have lovely bunches with these lovely flowers: choose one from our selection and send it off: it will spread some happiness!


NB: Since the stems of the Gerbera are a bit hairy they attract bacterial growth and since the stems are susceptible to bacteria blockage we recommend using clean water and replenishing the water and flower food every 1-2 days.