Freesia

( FREE - zhee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Freesia is a genus of plants is native to east South Africa (between Kenya and South Africa), where it is commonly known as Ruikpypie in Afrikaans. Flowers are fragrant and funnel-shaped, coming in a variety of bright and pastel colors. These blooms are popular in cut flower arrangements, and are also grown as ornamental landscape plants. They grow from corm, typically reaching up to 16 inches tall with green linear leaves. Use Freesia in the landscape to edge pathways, fill containers, or simply to add floral scent to the garden space.

Freesia Species and Varietals

The genus Freesia is a member of the plant family Iridaceae and includes 16 distinct species. The former genus Anomatheca is not included in the genus Freesia. The best growing zones for Freesia vary depending on the species; For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Freesia grandiflora (Anomatheca grandiflora, Lapeirousia grandiflora) (Large-Flowered Freesia)
Native to South Africa, this species of Freesia is a popular garden ornamental. It reaches up to between 12 and 18 inches tall when mature and in bloom, and forms clumps over time. Blooms are red.

Freesia laxa (Laperiousia laxa, Anomatheca cruenta)(Flowering Grass, False Freesia, Scarlet Freesia)
This species grows from corm and is native to Kenya and northeastern South Africa. Individual plants reach up to between 6 and 12 inches tall when mature and in bloom, and flowers can be red, white, or pale blue. Flowers are flattened and open instead of tubular as in many other species of the genus. When grown in favorable conditions, these plants are considered to be somewhat invasive due to their self-sowing nature. This species is considered invasive in Australia and regions of the southern United States.

Freesia leichtlinii (White Freesia, Wild Freesia, Ruikpypie)
This perennial species grows from corm and produces flowers in in springtime. Blooms are very fragrant, and are typically white, sometimes flushed with pink. These plants will go dormant during the summer months in their native range (the Cape Provinces of South Africa). The commonly cultivated subspecies F. leichtlinii alba (also called 'Antique White Freesia'), has naturalized in California, the Mediterranean Basin, and regions of the Southern Hemisphere. The species is considered invasive in Australia.

Caring for Freesia

Freesia flowers can be purchased as starts from a reputable nursery, and can also be purchased as seed or corms. Seeds can be started indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date of the region or direct-sown into the garden when soil temperatures reach 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant Freesias in full sun to partial shade; they will flower more profusely and be more fragrant the more sun they get. These flowers should be receiving 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day for best performance. Ensure that soil is well-draining and that it has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (acidic to neutral). If your soil is heavy or clayey, it is a good idea to amend with plenty of organic material before installing these flowers to improve soil structure and tilth. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, watering deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid providing water with overhead sprinklers, as this may cause issues with fungal diseases.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. To prune, trim back yellowing leaves and spent flower stems. Deadheading will encourage new blooming stems to form. As plants fade towards the end of the season, make sure to leave on any green growth until it fully dies back; the plant is still gathering energy from the leaves and sending it to its corm in preparation for next year's growth. Every few years, especially if these flowers are grown in a container or other cramped space, they can benefit from being divided. For instructions on how to successfully divide Freesia flowers, see the Propagation section below. Freesia flowers are perennials that bloom from tender bulbs. In temperate and warmer zones, they can be left in the ground year-round; in cooler zones, they will need to be dug up and stored over the winter months. In the garden, they can survive for decades before needing to be replaced, and form clumps over time, providing blooms for the landscape indefinitely.

Growing Freesia in Containers
Freesia flowers can be grown in the ground or in containers. Choose a container that is slightly larger than the root ball, and fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic matter or compost. Apply a layer of mulch over the top to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and increase soil moisture retention. Freesias grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. To prune, trim back yellowing leaves and spent flower stems. As plants fade towards the end of the season, make sure to leave on any green growth until it fully dies back; the plant is still gathering energy from the leaves and sending it to its corm in preparation for next year's growth. Every few years, Freesias can benefit from being divided and replanted. For instructions on how to successfully divide Freesia flowers, see the Propagation section below.

Harvesting Freesia
Freesias are commonly cultivated for their colorful flowering stems. Harvest flower stems when the first, lowest bud on the stem is fully colored and just beginning to open, or when it is very swollen. The best time of the day to harvest cut flowers is in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. Cut stems at their base using sharp, clean shears or snips and drop them into a bucket of cool water. They have a vase life of between 12 and 14 days if properly cared for and harvested at the right time.

Propagation

Unripe Freesia seed pods. When seeds are mature, these pods will dry out, turn brown, and begin to open.

Freesia seeds are small, dark, and rounded or angular.

Problems and Pests

Certain species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Freesia plants can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape: