Gerbera Daisies - Lee Ann Torrans

Gerbera Daisies for Texas

Gerbera Daisies do very well in Texas as a perennial. Treat them with the same care and respect you would provide to an annual. They can use a bit of shade (they are not cacti)! Give them some liquid fertilizer after each bloom period for healthier blooms and expect them to rebloom all summer.

Gerbara Daisy Dallas Arboretum Trial Plant 2014 Cartwheel

Gerberas are expert communicators. When they need water, and they need a lot of it, they will wilt down. They can actually thrive in full sun but they require profuse amounts of water to live in our Texas sun. Their roots are shallow, obviously, consequently the surface water evaporates in Texas summers. Planting them in a bit of shade, not so much for the plant but to protect the moisture available to them in the ground is effective as is MULCHING. Anything you can do to protect their access to moisture will ensure their survival and bloom production.

Planting your Gerberas with your roses is an excellent idea for Texas. Their water needs and mulching requirements are very similar.

Gerbera Dallas Plant Trials Approved Series

Gerbera Drakensberg series
Gerbera Garvinea series
Gerbera Jaguar Orange Picotee
Gerbera Jaguar Rose Dark Center
Gerbera Royal series
Gerbera Funtastic Canary
Gerbera Funtastic Mango

See: Dallas Plant Trials http://www.dallasplanttrials.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/home.showpage/pageID/40/index.htm

Read about daisies which are more drought tolerant here.

There are many daisies that are native to Texas and extremely drought tolerant,

Q1: Can Gerbera daisies grow well in Texas?

A: Yes, but with limitations. Gerbera daisies (Gerbera jamesonii) can be grown in Texas as seasonal annuals or short-lived perennials, especially in Central and North Texas. They require well-drained soil, full morning sun with afternoon shade, and regular watering. They are sensitive to summer heat, high humidity, and poor drainage, so site selection is critical.

Q2: What are the best types of Gerbera daisies for Texas?

A: Look for landscape varieties that are bred for heat tolerance and disease resistance. Two notable series are:

‘Garvinea®’ series – Known for being perennial, heat- and cold-tolerant, and long-blooming. These are among the best suited for Texas gardens.
‘Revolution’ series – Grown more commonly as an annual, this series performs well in containers and bedding and has compact growth with bold colors.

Q3: Do Gerbera daisies need full sun?

A: In Texas, they do best with morning sun and afternoon shade. Too much intense sun in the summer can cause wilting or scorch the foliage. Bright, indirect light also works well in containers on patios or balconies.

Q4: Do any Gerbera daisies have awards?

A: Yes. The ‘Garvinea®’ series has received multiple honors, including:

Fleuroselect Gold Medal for garden performance in trials across Europe and the U.S.
Recognized in university field trials (such as at Penn State and Michigan State) for its continuous blooming, weather resistance, and pollinator support.

Q5: Are Gerbera daisies good for pollinators or cut flowers?

A: Absolutely. Gerbera daisies are excellent for cut flower arrangements due to their long stems and vivid colors. The Garvinea® types, in particular, are also known to attract butterflies and bees, making them a good dual-purpose plant for beauty and ecology.