Aahh.. I am sorry. I am forget to check the hardiness zone.
Insect and thrips also common problem on my gerbera. Here in tropic even florist gerbera can grow outdoor all year. But they are not a good garden performer. The flower stalk is too long and weak to support that heavy flower. And they asking more intensive of fertilizing and pest control.
From last year i have try Garvinea. They grow lushly and seem dont care about some insect that attacked them. Although the flower was small and not as impressive as internet picture. Just look like vegetable lettuce with many leaves and less flower. Maybe i need to feed them some flowering promote fertilizer.
If you see one in garden centre you can try them. I am sure they will stay longer in garden maybe for 3 season. And you can try to overwinter with some protection too
Thats my humble opnion. I never live outside the tropical zone yet
