Known for their ornamental beauty and joyful presence, the gerbera flower (or gerbera daisy), is the go-to flower for decorating your living space and gifting to others.
Bursting with an array of amazing colors, coupled with the sweetest scents, make this flower one of the most popular flowers in the world.
But, have you ever stopped to think about the meaning of the gerbera? Packed with cultural significance, meanings, and a wealth of symbolic value, it is definitely not a flower to go unnoticed.
So, read on to learn all the must-know facts about this flower. Also, learn the cultural significance, meanings, and hidden symbolism behind these astounding flowers.
Scroll down, as we delve into the gerbera daisy types, benefits, and uses. Finally, learn what it means to receive this flower as a gift, and what occasions are best suited to this fascinating flowering plant.
Gerbera daisies, also called African daisies, Barberton daisies, and Transvaal daisies, have gained in popularity over the past few years. In 1770, it was named after German botanist Traugott Gerber. The gerbera species, however, are quite diverse.
During his work in gold mines in Transvaal, Africa, a man named Robert Jameson discovered one of the first and most common types of this beautiful flower. Many called it the Gerber Jamesonii.
In 1890 a mani by the name of Richard Lynch started several gerbera flower cultivation projects. This was initialized in England. Before long, this flower found its place into the hearts of the British people. Due to its blooming success, the flower went on to better, greater things.
Today is is produced in many parts of the world, and holds an admirable place as one of the most-loved flowers, globally.
Description
The gerbera flower comes in all colors. However, if you discover a blue one, take note that this is actually an artificially colored gerbera daisy.
Further, the amazing thing about the gerbera is that each flower isn’t just one flower alone. Oh, no.. You may be surprised to learn that each flower contains many tiny little flowers within its make up.
Once cut and placed in a vase, the gerbera will keep on lasting for a couple of weeks. This makes them an even more popular choice for many.
The gerbera flower has a unique selling part that makes it stand out from all other flowers. While other flowers absorb pesky toxins and carbon dioxide during daytime hours, the gerbera will do this at night.
Furthermore, it absorbs toxins and releases oxygen extremely effectively. Fir this reason, many people consider them to be a great bedside ornament. This is particularly beneficial for people suffering with respiratory illnesses.
The gerbera is the official birth flower for April. In the garden they are a special treat for both bees and butterflies. The gerbera flower will actually follow the position of the sun in the sky, moving its flower head to mirror the sun’s placement.
Habitat
Regions in South Africa are the natural habitat. But did you know that they were not grown in North America until 1920?
Gerbera daisy flowers form part of the Asteraceae family, along with the aster and sunflowers. They are also categorized into four main varieties. These include:
Single Gerberas
These are the most widely known and loved type of gerbera daisy. In addition, their characteristics include that of a green center, with elegant long petals. The petals look similar to a daisy’s, but do not overlap.
Double Gerberas
Double gerberas (otherwise known as duplex gerberas), have a disk in the center that can be green, black, and red. Moreover, the double gerbera displays long and short petals. These also appear in two overlapping rows.
Crested Double Gerberas
This type of gerbera has the same asthetic characteristics as the double gerbera. However, they also feature an extra row of inner petals. Moreover, the color of these petals do not always match the other petals on the flower.
Full Crested Gerberas
These are literally brimming with petal value. With two rows of inner and outer petals, it can sometimes be hard to see the disk at the center. Additionally, the center disk comes in shades of red, green, and black.
Gerbera Meaning
The meaning of the gerbera is one of true joy and happy times. It is a flower that symbolizes great celebrations and good times. The other main meaning takeaway of this incredible flowering plant is innocence and great beauty.
Given the many types of gerbera available, along with their extensive world dominating popularity, gerberas can offer several important meanings to people. Interpretations often differ depending on the color of the gerbera daisy. Let’s delve into the variety of colors and their associated meanings.
The gerbera flower’s modern popularity has made their available color variety flourish. In the Netherlands, the production of different shades and sizes of this gorgeous flower are in the millions.
People attach a variety of meanings to the various colors of this inspirational flower, which captures their hearts. Let’s look at the key colors and meanings of the gerbera daisy.
Red Gerberas
No matter what the flower type, if it is deep red, people regard it as a symbol of passionate love, desire, and romance. The intoxicating deep red color of the breathtaking red gerbera daisy makes it a must-have flower for gifting on a romantic occasion.
White Gerbera
The white gerbera is the flower to represent celebrating 5 years of marriage. It represents cleansing, healing, truth, purity, trust, and innocence.
People often choose this color of gerbera for church displays, or bouquets to celebrate weddings, anniversaries, and other happy events.
Light Pink Gerberas
The gerbera flower’s shade of pink symbolizes different meanings. Light pink gerberas frequently represent consideration, compassion, empathy, and respect.
This type is a popular color for gifting recuperating individuals, or to express respect and empathy when a loved one passes away.
Dark Pink Gerberas
The darker pink variety is symbolic of a wholly different meaning. This shade represents giving thanks, and having much gratitude for something.
Orange Gerberas
The bold and beautiful orange gerbera is the best flower for representing happy times, joy, and friendship. They make a perfect gift in a bouquet for both friends and acquaintances, and their presence will uplift anyone’s day.
Yellow Gerberas
The sun-like yellow gerbera daisy is the go-to gift for cheering up your best friend or family member. They bring an immediate feel-good factor into any environment. Gift the yellow gerbera for promoting wellbeing and boosting someone’s mood.
The purple gerbera is the one to gift a person you hold in high esteem. Symbolic of class and graciousness, they are a flower given to mirror a personality of upmost elegance and exquisite charm.
The gerbera daisies make the ideal gift when presented to someone as a single flower, a bouquet of one color, and displays with many colored varieties. The overall interpretation of a bouquet or floral display which combines a variety of colors is wishes of a happy and loving nature.
Cultural Significance And Symbolism
Due to their exceptional popularity all over the world, it is not surprising that these striking flowers hold much cultural significance. Let’s take a look at some cultural significance attached to the gerbera daisy.
Celtic Symbolism
To the Celts, the gerbera held much significance to daily life. In order to bring balance into someone’s life or to overcome strife, people would turn to the gerbera daisy.
No matter what color of gerbera daisy, the Celts believed its energies helped to deal with sadness, sorrow, and turmoil. After cutting, they were able to last for a few weeks, giving them time to turn around a bad situation with positive energy.
According to ancient Celtic mythology, God put the gerbera daisy petals on the ground following the death of a child, helped to lessen the parent’s heartache a little.
Egyptian Symbolism
The gerbera daisy’s flower head will turn to mirror the direction of the sun in the sky. Due to this reason, Egyptians closely linked the gerbera to the sun. Thus, they cherished this flower and used it symbolically to show their dedication to the sun and love of nature.
Worldwide Symbolism
To the world, the gerbera daisy symbolizes hope, positivity, friendship, and warmth. A truly beautiful flower!
Benefits And Uses Of The Gerbera Flower
The benefit of the gerbera daisy is its ability to bring sparkles of joy and happiness into peoples’ lives. It is impossible to remain in a bad mood if you are gifted one of these beauties. All colors and varieties of the gerbera bring good vibes, feelings of friendship optimism, and hope.
However, as we have seen, certain colors symbolize different meanings. Picking the right shade for the message you wish to convey is important. For instance, a pink gerbera should be the go-to flower to bring wellness wishes for sick loved ones.
Should you know a friend or loved one who is in hospital, the gerbera is the ultimate gift. Not only will it bring joy, positivity, and hope, but this type of flower will last (hopefully) long after they are discharged from hospital.
Centuries ago, some people used the gerbera daisy medicinally. Herbalists would make concoctions of herbal tea with the addition of the gerbera daisy. Some believed it was beneficial in alleviating symptoms of bronchial discomfort, inflammation, and coughs.
Other people used the gerbera in mixtures to treat ailments such as disorders of the liver and for detoxifying purposes. There is no scientific evidence to support these findings, and it would be rare to find such gerbera mixtures today.
Are Gerbera Flowers Edible?
Although the gerbera daisy is not a toxic flower, we definitely recommend against eating it. Unless you are allergic to the flower, the only effects will be abdominal pain and perhaps diarrhea.
That said, the gerbera consists of many long and short petals, and choking is a consideration. Never leave young children alone with the gerbera (or any) flower.
Gerbera Tattoo Symbolism
The popularity of this type of flower gives it much meaning in the world of tattoo design. Symbolizing happiness and hope, people often get the gerbera tattooed to represent an optimistic and sunny personality.
Other tattoo meanings might be to symbolize the simplicity of true inner and outer beauty, and better times ahead.
Occasions For The Gerbera
Due to the brilliantly cheerful energy the gerbera flower brings, this flower is a perfect fit for any happy or celebratory occasion. Whether you are attending an anniversary party, birthday event, christening, or wedding celebration, the gerbera daisy will be well received.
Alternatively, while the pink gerbera can signify gratitude, it also has its place for symbolizing empathy and compassion. As such, this color of gerbera would be suitable for attending a funeral service or memorial.
Final Thoughts
For omitting healthy wishes of happiness, wellbeing and cheerful occasions, you can’t go wrong with the gerbera flower. This highly regarded flower is much-loved for its simple, yet wow-factor appearance.
With colors of optimal vibrancy and unique design, the gerbera makes a statement of joy in any room.
Should you wish to find a flower that can sprinkle happiness into your life, this flower will not disappoint. Lasting for several weeks, a gerbera flower display for friends (or yourself) provides a continual mood-boosting effect.
Having these flowers around will undoubtedly keep bad moods or negativity firmly at bay, no matter what troubles the day threatens to bring.
Why not bring some feel-good factor in someone’s life today? Take them a cheerful gerbera, and you will be sure to make them smile!
Diane has always been interested in spirituality and self-improvement. She is a happy and outgoing person. She started her spiritual journey with Chandra while looking for tools to bring positivity to their lives. She boosts her mind with self-care and affirmations. However, she also knows what crystals to wear based on her feelings. She also practices the law of attraction.
