Gerbera Daisy ‘Jaguar Formula Mix’

Asteraceae Gerbera jamesonii

It is difficult to decide which flower to feature in our blog this time of year, as we are starting to see so many of our popular plants burst into color. We could not resist sharing this vivaciously merry specimen of early summer with you, as it glows with robust color and light. Most of us are familiar with Gerbera Daisies as cut flowers, as most grow on long stems, and they are indeed among the 5 most popular cut flowers in the world. (Make your best guess, and I’ll tell you the other 4 most popular cut flowers at the end of the blog.) ‘Jaguar Formula Mix’ grows the same large cheerful flowers on a shorter stem, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of these flowers for an extended period of time in your garden. Native to South Africa, these flowers are a common symbol of purity, cheerfulness, and innocence, and you can easily see why. Gerbera jamesonii are named after the Scotsman Robert Jameson who brought them to Europe from Africa, and the German naturalist Traugott Gerber, a friend of Carl Linnaeus.

‘Jaguar Formula Mix’ grows best in well-drained soil that has some organic material mixed in, in full morning sun with afternoon shade. When irrigating, soak the soil well and allow to dry completely before its next watering. Fertilize Gerbera ‘Jaguar Formula Mix’ with a general purpose, slow-release fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Plant with a generous 12-18 inches between to allow for the spread of these lush plants. They have full foliage with long tongue shaped lobed 10” leaves, and flowers both intensely hued with primary color and pastel shades. Red, orange, pink, yellow, cream, and white blossoms will surprise you with their vibrancy and contrast. These are perennial plants grown usually as annuals, but with the right care, you can continue them in your garden, enjoying their bloom for years. The Sunset Climate Zones are 8, 9, 12-24; H1, H2. If grown outside of these zones, they should be treated as an annual.

We are currently selling Gerbera Daisy ‘Jaguar Formula Mix’ in 4.5” rounds. Give us a call, ‘Like’ us on Facebook, or check out our website at www.clearwatercolor.com to learn more about these and other plants we are growing! Wondering what the other 4 most common cut flowers are? Rose, chrysanthemum, carnation, and Tulip.