Contents
Description
Garberia is a genus of flowering plants in the aster family, native to Florida in the United States. It was named in honor of John Garber, a 19th-century botanist who collected specimens in Florida. Garberia plants are small evergreen shrubs, ranging in size from 1-3 feet tall and wide. They produce showy, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white, which bloom in late summer and fall. The plant’s foliage is dark green and glossy, with lance-shaped leaves that are 1-2 inches long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Garberia |
Appearance
Garberia plants have a dense, bushy growth habit, with multiple stems arising from the base. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stems and are dark green and glossy. The flowers are borne in clusters at the ends of the stems, and each flower head is about 1 inch across. The petals are ray-like and either pink, purple, or white, with a yellow center. The plant blooms in late summer and fall, attracting butterflies and other pollinators.
Care Guide
Garberia plants prefer well-drained, acidic soil in full sun to partial shade. They are drought-tolerant once established but will benefit from regular watering during dry spells. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Garberia is hardy in USDA zones 8-11 and is tolerant of salt spray and coastal conditions.
Common Pests & Diseases
Garberia plants are generally pest and disease-free, but they may occasionally be affected by spider mites or aphids. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be sure to plant in well-draining soil and avoid standing water.
Habitat
Garberia plants are native to Florida and grow in a variety of habitats, including pine rocklands, coastal dunes, and scrub. They are adapted to sandy, well-drained soil and are often found growing in areas with low nutrient levels.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Garberia plants tolerate salt spray?
A: Yes, Garberia plants are tolerant of salt spray and coastal conditions.
Q: What is the blooming season for Garberia?
A: Garberia blooms in late summer and fall.
Q: How tall do Garberia plants typically grow?
A: Garberia plants range in size from 1-3 feet tall and wide.
Q: Are Garberia plants drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, Garberia plants are drought-tolerant once established.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Asteraceae family include:
- Aster
- Black-eyed Susan
- Chrysanthemum
- Daisy
- Sunflower
References
- “Garberia.” Florida Native Plant Society. https://fnps.org/plants/plant/garberia
- “Garberia.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp634
- “Garberia.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=GABE2
