The Disease-Resistant Red Perennial That Will Flourish In Your Potted Garden

Potted gardens are absolute lifesavers. They let you grow plants in places where you otherwise can't, such as balconies, patios, concrete walkways, windowsills – the list just goes on. Plus, they offer something that normal gardens can't: the flexibility of moving things around when you want a new look, seasons change, or you need to bring plants inside. But while container gardens can save you from poor soil or cold weather, they sure can't save you from pests and diseases. What if there was a plant that was tolerant of pests and diseases that could also be grown in pots? Meet the Gerbera daisy 'Garden Jewels' (Gerbera jamesonii 'Garden Jewels'). These Gerbera daisy hybrids are specifically developed by the Southern Living Plant Collection to survive the warmth and humidity of USDA zones 7 through 10. 'Garden Jewels' come in a range of bright colors, but the red version 'Garswlove' is arguably the most striking.

Some showy red flowers can be hard to grow, but what makes the red 'Garden Jewels' or 'Garswlove' Gerbera daisy really special is that it's tough as nails. Once settled in, 'Garden Jewels' will thrive even when neglected. Thanks to years of breeding efforts, you won't have to worry about pests or diseases taking out these hybrids like they might for your other Gerberas. A single plant can produce as many as 100 flowers, and on top of that, they are perennials so all you'll need to do is plant them carefully and they will keep coming back, bringing color to your container garden for many years to come.

When it comes to growing 'Garden Jewels' Gerbera daisies in a pot, the first step is to choose the right container. Since these flowering perennials grow about 12 to 14 inches tall and wide, you need a relatively large container that is at least this big in diameter. Just keep in mind that this is only enough for one single plant, and if you want to create fuller potted displays with multiple plants, make sure to choose a much larger container. In addition to the diameter of the container, the depth is also something you must consider. So, make sure the container is at least 8 to 10 inches deep. This will ensure that they have adequate drainage and plenty of room for their roots to grow.

'Garden Jewels' or 'Garswlove' Gerbera daisies need rich and well-draining soil, and the crown of the plant should sit just at or above the soil line, no deeper. When placing the pot, choose a location that gets either full sun or part shade. If you are attempting to grow them inside, a bright, south-facing window might be the perfect choice. 

As for routine care, water enough to keep the soil continuously moist, especially right after planting, but don't let it get soggy, and make sure the crown dries out between waterings. You should also add organic compost or fertilize your Gerbera daisies every month, especially in the summer. Gerbera daisies can often become deficient in manganese and iron, so try to use a fertilizer that contains these micronutrients. Lastly, remove the old blooms as they wither and die. Healthy gerbera daisies flower multiple times in a season, and deadheading the spent blooms is a trick that will keep your perennials blooming longer.