Native to South Africa, the freesia was introduced into cultivation in 1878 by German botanist Dr. Friedrich Freese. It is one of the most beloved flowers for their pure colors, long vase life and sweet perfume. They are a universal symbol of friendship, but can also be given as a gift for the seventh wedding anniversary.
The trumpet-shaped flowers are ‘zygomorphic', meaning the blooms grow in a single plane, along one side of the plant’s stem.
They may be grown in in borders, planters or terraces.
The essentials
- Bulb size: 5/6
- Flowering time: July to September or February-March (depending on when planted)
- Height: 30-60 cm (depending on the variety)
- Hardiness: They are winter hardy in USDA zones 9-10. In zones 3-8, the corms will not survive the winter outdoors. Protect against frost.
- Difficulty: Very easy to grow
- Attracts: Butterflies
- Time to bloom: 12 weeks
- Plant location: full sun to some shade
- Soil needs: sandy and light
- Plant depth: 6 cm
- Plant spacing: 5 cm
- Humidity preferences: 40-50%
- Good for: borders, lawns, container planting
- Pet safe
How to plant freesias:
In USDA Zones 3-8, freesia corms can be planted outdoors in spring for late summer flowers. The bulbs may also be planted in pots in the fall and grown in a cool (55-60°F) greenhouse for winter flowers. Plant freesias in March or April in a greenhouse, and April or May directly outside as long as the risk of frost has almost passed.
Corms can also be planted in September to November. If planted in autumn, leave the pots outside while temperatures are still between 10-17°C (50-62ºF) and then move indoors, such as to a greenhouse or near a kitchen window. In USDA Zones 9-10, plant outdoors in fall for blooms in February-March.