Freesias
Family
Iridaceae
Origin
Southern Africa
Description
Freesia is a genus of about 15 species of perennial, bulbous plants grown for their showy, fragrant flowers but only a faint scent. The berry-like fruit vary in colour from white, orange, pink to red and are aromatic.
The plants have green, narrow leaves that are linear or sword-shaped and clustered. Only a few leaves arise from the bulbous corms.The flowers appear among the foliage on long spikes. Each spike may be branched or unbranched and bears flowers on one side. The flowers have petals/ tepals that form tubular or funnel-shaped blooms that begin to open from the base of the spike up
Environment
Freesia prefer sunny to partly sunny locations and look best when grown in masses. These plants do not tolerate very cold or hot conditions.
Prepare the bed by digging and loosening the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches. Plant the freesia bulbs, or corms, at least 2 inches deep and 2 to 4 inches apart.
Most Freesia prefer slightly acid, organic-rich soil with ample drainage. Once the foliage emerges, water the growing freesia plants often to keep the soil moist. Freesias need an abundance of moisture during the entire growing season, but you should allow the soil to dry out once the flowers fade.
The corms should be lifted and stored in areas where with freezing winters. They may also be lifted and stored in the summer in areas where temperatures are hot and really moist.
If corms are planted at intervals, successions of blooms will grace the garden for cutting. Expect flowers to appear about 10 to 12 weeks after planting.
Landscape Use
Freesia are beautiful in beds, containers and cutting gardens
