Gerbera Daisy Gerbera Everlast Carmine = 'Amgerbcar' (Everlast Series)
ABOUT
The Gerbera Everlast Carmine, part of the Everlast series, is a vibrant flowering plant that catches the eye with its striking flower heads. The blooms are characterized by their rich carmine hue, which is a deep, slightly purplish red color that adds a bold splash of color to any setting. Each flower features a large, daisy-like shape with a multitude of slender petals radiating from a central disk. The petals have a velvety texture and may show subtle variations in color intensity, giving the flowers a dynamic, lively appearance. The central disk of the flower, often a deeper or contrasting color, is typically composed of tiny, tightly packed individual flowers which may attract pollinators when grown outdoors. The flowers stand out against the backdrop of the plant's foliage, which consists of lush, green leaves. These leaves are typically elongated in shape with a pronounced central vein and slightly toothed edges, creating a full and robust appearance that complements the showy flowers. The Gerbera Everlast Carmine's blooms rise above the foliage on sturdy, singular stems, making them excellent for cutting and arrangements. It presents a perennial habit, bringing joyful color season after season when cared for properly. This plant is bred for its durability and long-lasting flowers, aptly reflected in the name "Everlast." Its aesthetic makes it an attractive choice for ornamental purposes in gardens, pots, or as a cheerful indoor plant with enough light. Overall, the Gerbera Everlast Carmine exudes a charming and cheerful presence with its delightful flowers and rich coloring.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Asteraceae
Synonyms
African Daisy, Transvaal Daisy, Barberton Daisy, Gerber Daisy
Common names
Gerbera Everlast Carmine 'Amgerbcar' (Everlast Series).
- Toxicity
To humans
The Gerbera Daisy is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects expected from the ingestion of any part of the plant. Therefore, accidental consumption should not cause any harm beyond the possibility of mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the fact that it is not a food item.
To pets
The Gerbera Daisy is also recognized as non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Similar to humans, if pets ingest parts of the plant, they are not expected to experience significant or serious toxic effects. However, ingestion might lead to mild gastrointestinal upset purely because it is not a typical component of an animal's diet.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Carmine
Height
1 feet 4 inches (40 cm)
Spread
1 feet 6 inches (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Africa
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and beauty to gardens with its striking carmine-red flowers.
- Long Blooming Season: Offers a long flowering period, providing continuous blooms from spring to fall.
- Attracts Pollinators: Serves as an attractant for beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it has good tolerance to short periods of drought, making it suitable for various climates.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Versatility: Suitable for planting in beds, borders, and containers, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Compact Size: Possesses a neat, compact growth habit, making it well-suited for smaller gardens or spaces.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Greeting Cards Decoration: The Gerbera flower can be pressed and used to embellish handmade greeting cards for a personal touch.
- Food Presentation: Edible varieties of Gerbera can be used as a colorful garnish on plates or in drinks for visual appeal in culinary presentations.
- Photography Subjects: The vibrant colors and shapes of Gerbera flowers make them excellent subjects for macro photography and artistic compositions.
- Artistic Dye: The pigments from Gerbera petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or art projects.
- Craft Projects: Gerbera flowers can be incorporated into various craft projects, such as making flower crowns or decorating picture frames.
- Educational Tools: Gerberas can serve as botanical specimens for educational purposes to teach about plant structure and reproduction.
- Special Events: Gerbera flowers can be frozen in ice cubes to add an elegant touch to drinks at weddings or other special events.
- Fragrance Extraction: Though not commonly known for their scent, the essence of Gerbera flowers can occasionally be used to create delicate fragrances for perfumery.
- Color Inspiration: Gerbera's vivid hues can inspire artists and designers looking for color palettes in their work.
- Seed Crafts: The seeds of Gerbera flowers can be used in jewelry making or as an embellishment in other craft creations.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Gerbera Daisy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Gerbera Daisy is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Cheerfulness: Gerbera daisies are typically associated with cheerfulness due to their bright and colorful blooms, which can instantly brighten up any space.
- Innocence: The simple yet striking appearance of Gerbera daisies can be symbolic of purity and innocence.
- Beauty: The beauty of Gerbera daisies, with their large flowering heads, is often seen as a symbol of aesthetic pleasure and natural beauty.
- Persistence: Gerbera daisies from the Everlast series, such as 'Amgerbcar', are known for their longevity and durability, thus symbolizing persistence and the ability to withstand challenges.
- Clarity: With their vibrant and clear colors, Gerbera daisies can represent clarity of thought or emotion, conveying a message of uncomplicated happiness.
- Water
Gerbera daisies, such as the Everlast Carmine, prefer evenly moist soil but do not like to sit in water. It's best to water them deeply once a week, providing about one to two gallons for outdoor plants, depending on weather conditions. For indoor potted Gerbera daisies, water them with approximately 8-16 ounces of water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease, and instead water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry. During hotter periods, you may need to water more frequently, but always check the soil moisture before watering again.
- Light
Gerbera daisies thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. They should be placed in a spot where they will receive morning sunlight and partial shade during the harsh midday sun. An east-facing window is ideal for indoor Gerbera daisies, as it provides the gentle light they love without the risk of scorching their leaves.
- Temperature
The Gerbera daisy prefers to grow in temperatures between 59°F and 77°F but can survive occasional dips down to 40°F. Avoid exposure to temperatures over 90°F, as this can cause stress to the plant. The Gerbera daisy is not frost-tolerant, and freezing temperatures will damage or kill the plant.
- Pruning
Pruning Gerbera daisies is essential for encouraging bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. In early spring, cut back any old or dead foliage to encourage fresh growth. Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruners to make precise cuts.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Gerbera Daisy requires well-draining soil with a mix of peat, perlite, and compost. Maintain a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth.
- Repotting
Gerbera Daisies should be repotted every two years or when they outgrow their current container.
- Humidity & Misting
Gerbera Daisies thrive best at a humidity level around 40-60%.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright light, avoiding direct sun.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from intense sun.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
- Life cycle
The gerbera, specifically the Gerbera Everlast Carmine, begins its life as a seed sowed in well-draining soil with moderate moisture and indirect light. Germination takes place over several days to a few weeks, depending on conditions. After germination, the seedling develops its first set of true leaves and continues to grow, provided it receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. As a perennial, once the plant reaches maturity, it produces a basal rosette of leaves and multiple flowering stems with vibrant carmine blooms, typically during the spring and summer. The plant can then be propagated through division or from seeds collected after flowering. Finally, as the cooler season approaches, the gerbera may enter a dormant period, especially in regions with colder climates, but it will return in the spring if the root system is healthy and properly overwintered.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
The Gerbera Daisy, particularly the Gerbera Everlast Carmine, is commonly propagated through division, which is best done in the spring or early summer. This process involves carefully separating the mother plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has at least one crown with roots attached. Gardeners typically ease the plant from its container, gently tease the roots apart, and cut them apart with a sharp, clean knife. It is crucial to replant the divisions quickly, at the same depth they were growing before, and water them in well. With proper care, these divisions will grow into healthy, flowering plants, continuing the beauty and vigor of the Everlast Carmine Gerbera Daisy.