What Kind of Flower is a Gerbera? The Flower Language and History of Gerberas

Gerberas are popular flowers with a lovely appearance and a rich variety of colors. They are popular with people of all ages and genders and are available year-round.
Recently, stylish gerberas such as spider-type and double-flowered varieties have become available, gaining particular popularity among younger generations.
This article introduces you to gerberas, covering what kind of flower they are, their flower language, and other gerbera-related facts!

What Kind of Flower is a Gerbera?

Gerberas are flowers characterized by their charming appearance. Their leaves grow abundantly near the ground, and their stems extend long and slender, creating an impressive sight.
Various gerberas are available on the market, with many sold as cut flowers, but also many lovely gerberas available as seedlings and potted plants.
By the way, you can also grow them from seeds, so flower lovers might enjoy trying it. Flowers bloom about four months after sowing the seeds.
Their Japanese names are Oosenbonyari and Afurikasebonyari, which have a slightly different feel.

What is the Flower Language of Gerberas?

The general flower language for gerberas is "hope," "positivity," and "mystery." These flower meanings perfectly suit the large, vibrant blooms of gerberas.
Especially the flower meaning "hope" fits well with various celebratory occasions, making it a recommended flower for anniversaries such as birthdays and wedding anniversaries,
as well as graduation ceremonies, entrance ceremonies, company joining ceremonies, retirement celebrations, and more.
If you're thinking of giving flowers for a celebratory occasion, gifting gerberas is an excellent choice!

Does the Flower Language of Gerberas Differ by Color?

One of the charms of gerberas is their wide variety of colors.
And each color has its own unique flower meaning. All of them are wonderful meanings, so it's lovely if you can choose according to the occasion you're gifting them for.
I've summarized them below, so please refer to them when choosing your gift.

Does the Flower Language of Gerberas Differ by Number of Stems?

Like roses and sunflowers, the flower language of gerberas changes depending on the number of stems.
They are suitable for gifting to lovers, fiancés, or spouses. They are also recommended for confessions of love or proposals.
I've summarized them below, so please refer to them when choosing your gift.

About the History of Gerberas

Gerberas are relatively new flowers, with their history beginning in the 18th century.
Gerberas originated from a type of daisy native to South Africa. In 1737, Dutch botanist Jan Frederik Gronovius documented them.

Later, the name Gerbera was given, reportedly named after the German botanist Traugott Gerber. Although he did not have a particular connection to gerberas in his life, he was an authority in botany, so his name was adopted.
(Reference: Gerbera.org "Chronology")

"Jameson's Gerbera" Spread Worldwide

In the late 19th century, gerberas spread across Europe, including England and France, and gained considerable popularity. In particular, the gerbera discovered by British plant hunter Robert James Jameson was named "Jameson's Gerbera," and it is widely believed to be one of the original species of gerberas sold worldwide today.

Afterward, serious cultivation of gerberas began, with significant cross-breeding advancements, particularly in the Netherlands and Germany. Gerberas continued to spread mainly in Europe, and through numerous hybridizations, they evolved into the diverse gerberas we see today.
Currently, exciting new varieties such as spider-type, double-flowered, curled-petal, and pompon-type gerberas are continuously being created.
(Reference: Mikawa Plant Observation "Hanaguruma")

What is the History of Gerberas in Japan?

Gerberas are said to have arrived in Japan during the Taisho period. At that time, they were not called gerberas but rather "Hanaguruma" (flower cart).
Afterward, private farmers advanced cultivar improvements, and double-flowered varieties were even exported to Europe, leading to the creation of very high-quality gerberas.
After the war, gerberas began to be cultivated in warm climate regions like Hamamatsu City, and their production further increased due to the flower boom in the early Heisei era.
Today, they are one of the important flowers that support the management of flower shops.
(Reference: Japan Home Gardening Promotion Association "History of Gerbera")

Is there a Gerbera Day?

Gerbera Day is celebrated annually on April 18th. This commemorative day was established in 2005.
It was set on April 18th because Japan's first new variety of gerbera was developed in April 1958, and the name "Gerbera" was trademarked.
April is the peak season for gerbera shipments. The date 4/18 also plays on the Japanese phrase "yoi hana" (good flower), as "4" can be read as "yo" and "18" as "iha" (from "i" and "ha" for "hana").
On this day, many gerberas will be in stores, so gerbera lovers shouldn't miss out!

What Kind of Flower Gifts Include Gerberas?

Gerberas are popular flowers among all ages and genders. When thinking of gifting gerberas, a single stem is lovely, but they are even more beautiful when arranged in a bouquet or arrangement.
Here, we will introduce recommended flower gifts that include gerberas. You can purchase them at local flower shops or online stores, so if you're thinking of gifting gerberas, please refer to this guide!

"Bouquets," a Classic Gerbera Gift

When you want to give gerberas as a gift, presenting them in a bouquet is highly recommended.
For example, you can arrange them with seasonal flowers or just with gerberas. Please choose a design that suits the recipient.
When gifting, it's good to know if the recipient has a vase. If they don't seem to have one, we recommend gifting it along with a vase!

Gerbera bouquets recommended for birthdays are here

Colorful Gerbera Bouquet "bonbon"

¥4,980-

See product page ▶︎

"Flower Arrangements" Combining Gerberas with Other Flowers

Gerberas are available all year round. So, it's also recommended to gift them with seasonal flowers that are only available at certain times.
They are also a great gift for those who don't own a vase. Arrangements can be displayed as is upon arrival.
When combined with seasonal flowers, the beauty of gerberas truly stands out. For a special celebration for your loved ones, please consider gifting gerbera flowers.

Flower arrangements using gerberas here

Soft Toned Arrangement M

¥5,500-

See product page ▶︎

Gerberas and Feng Shui

Gerberas are flowers considered auspicious in Feng Shui. They are particularly believed to be effective in enhancing love and marriage luck.
Indeed, many of their flower meanings relate to love, and they possess a positive atmosphere. Pink gerberas, in particular, are thought to boost love luck.
Here, we introduce gerberas and their connection to Feng Shui. Please refer to this when decorating your room.

Auspicious Locations for Decorating with Gerberas in Feng Shui

Generally, you can display them anywhere. However, if you want to further enhance your love life, it's best to place them in the southeast.
The southeast is the direction associated with romance. There is also a direction called "Taohua-wei" (Peach Blossom Position) that is good for love luck.
The Taohua-wei is determined by your zodiac sign, the current year, and the direction of your entrance. You can find this information by looking it up, so please check it out.

Is it Good to Display Gerberas After a Heartbreak?

In Feng Shui, it is believed to be good to display red gerberas when you are heartbroken.
The flower language of red gerberas is "always positive" and "endless challenge." These are perfect meanings when you're feeling down.
Red gerberas are believed to embody the power of "fire," and it is recommended to place them in the east. This will significantly boost your ability to attract new people.

Summary

The flower language of gerberas is "hope," "positivity," and "mystery." With such radiant flower meanings, they are highly recommended as gifts for birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and other celebrations marking new beginnings.
While a single stem is lovely, presenting them in flower gifts such as bouquets or floral arrangements is also recommended. They create a charming look.
For a gift to someone special, please choose gerbera flowers.

◆Revision History
December 9, 2025: Some years corrected. References and sources added.