Gerbera Daisy

A genus of about 40 species of hairy perennials from grassland in temperate and mountainous regions of Africa, Madagascar, Asia, and Indonesia.  Most form spreading, basal rosettes.  Gerbera is a strong healthy grower, densely clumped, and will form a tough, fast-growing plant.  They bloom from spring to fall, average about 8 inches tall and bear several 4 to 5 inch blooms at once in a wide range of colors, including red, yellow, orange, pink, white.  They make excellent cut flowers.   They do like a sunny location, and should be planted in moderately fertile, well drained soil.  This plant does resent transplanting.   May be hardy in zone 8 or higher with winter mulch.  For my garden, they have been requiring a lot of water, so far.