Gerbera Garvinea Sweet Sweet Spice

Gerbera Garvinea Sweet 'Sweet Spice' is a variety of gerbera that is more cold and disease resistant, meaning it can be grown in both pots and open ground. It is a semi-hardy perennial that can withstand short frosts, down to -10°C (14°F) if the stump is protected. This variety bears large magenta pink daisy-like flowers adorned with a beautiful yellow and white throat around a small dark centre. It is ideal for creating beautiful potted displays. It will also make a great impact in borders and flower beds. Its cut flowers last a long time in a vase.

Gerbera Garvinea 'Sweet Spice' belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a hybrid derived from G. jamesonii, a species native to southeast Africa. The gerberas in the Garvinea Sweet series have been selected for their increased hardiness and ease of cultivation, both in open ground and in pots. They are short-lived perennial plants that thrive in humus-rich, moisture-retaining soils throughout the growing and flowering period. They are robust and generous, but dislike the presence of limestone in soil. They also do not like hot exposures.

Gerbera Garvinea 'Sweet Spice' has sturdy stems and long, deeply lobed, glossy green leaves arranged in an opulent rosette. When in bloom, the plant will reach an average height of 40cm (16in) with a diameter of 30cm (12in). It will retain some leaves if it does not freeze, but will be completely deciduous otherwise. Flowering occurs from May to October. The flowers are slightly smaller than those used by florists. They resemble large daisies with a diameter of about 8cm (3in). With a little care, you can keep your gerbera for several years. In regions that are not too cold, you can plant it in flower beds, in well-drained soil, and place a good mulch around the base to protect it from both cold and excessive humidity. Elsewhere, cultivate this gerbera in a pot or container and bring it indoors to a veranda or garage. In cool temperatures, the foliage often disappears. In mid-May, take the pots outside and the warm weather will encourage the foliage to grow.

The radiant flowers of this Gerbera Garvinea 'Sweet Spice' are striking on their own, and will look incredible in a large pot on a patio or balcony. You can also pair it with light annuals, such as Euphorbia 'Diamond Frost', or white or blue lobelias. In a border or flower bed, for example, you can plant it with blue calibrachoa, Coreopsis Uptick Cream, and Diascia 'Blackthorn Apricot'. The cut flowers last a long time in a vase, and will blend perfectly in a bouquet with roses, alstroemerias, or snapdragons. To decorate a centrepiece, cut the flowers just below the calyx and let them float in a large bowl filled with water.

In pots, we recommend regular watering, otherwise the flowers will droop. If this happens, a good watering will make the stems stand upright again. Use an annual fertiliser every 15 days. Expose them to full sun or partial shade.

Our young plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners. Upon receipt, transplant and store them in sheltered areas (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before placing them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.