Birthday
HydrangeasFreesia is known for its scent: light and fresh, with citrus and honey notes. Its graceful arching spikes, where the flowers open one after another, make it a florists’ favourite for delicate spring bouquets. Here is which freesias smell strongest, how to care for them in a vase and whether you can grow them yourself.
Delicate bouquets: spray roses and tulips.
Where freesia comes from
Freesia belongs to the iris family and comes from South Africa, mainly the Cape region. The genus has around fifteen species, and all garden and cut-flower varieties are hybrids. It is named after the German physician and botanist Friedrich Freese. Today freesias are grown in greenhouses around the world, so you can buy them almost all year round.
Colours and fragrance
Freesias come in white, cream, yellow, orange, pink, red, lilac and purple, with single or double flowers. How strongly they smell depends on the variety: white and yellow freesias are usually the most fragrant, while red and pink ones tend to be milder. If the bouquet is for someone sensitive to scent, choose less fragrant varieties or place the flowers in a large room.
Freesias in a bouquet
Freesia pairs well with roses, tulips, ranunculus, lisianthus and greenery. Its curved stems add lightness and movement to a bouquet, and a small bunch of freesias on its own looks fresh and suits almost any occasion. For colour ideas see “Colour combinations in a bouquet”, and for compact arrangements “Small bouquets”.
How to make freesias last
- Choose stems with 1–2 lower flowers open and the rest as coloured buds: they will open gradually.
- Trim the stems at an angle with a sharp knife and put them straight into clean, cool water.
- Remove faded flowers so the stem puts its energy into the buds.
- Change the water every 1–2 days and use cut-flower food.
- Keep the vase away from fruit: freesias are sensitive to ethylene given off by ripening apples and bananas.
With this care freesias usually last 7–10 days.
How to grow freesia
Freesia grows from corms and is not hardy outdoors in a cold winter. Plant it in spring, in April or May once the risk of frost has passed, in a sunny spot with light, fertile soil. Flower buds form best in cool conditions, so freesias bloom less well in hot weather. Tall stems need support. In autumn lift the corms, dry them and store them somewhere dry and warm until the next spring. Freesias can also be grown in pots on a bright, cool windowsill.
FAQ
What does freesia symbolise?
In floristry it is associated with tenderness, trust and friendship, so freesias suit both loved ones and colleagues.
Why are my freesias not opening?
Most likely the buds were cut too green or the water has not been changed. Recut the stems and refresh the water.
Is freesia safe for pets?
Freesia is not on the lists of plants known to be dangerous to cats and dogs, but pets still should not chew flowers.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
