Freesia is a genus of herbaceous perennial flowering plants in the family Iridaceae, native to the eastern side of southern Africa, from Kenya south to South Africa, with most species found in Cape Provinces. The plants commonly known as "freesias" are cultivated hybrids of a number of Freesia species, with fragrant funnel-shaped flowers. Freesias are grown as ornamental plants and are popular as cut flowers due to their pure colors, long vase life, and sweet perfume. Some other species of the genus are also grown as ornamental plants.

Growing Freesias

• Freesias may be grown in full sun or part shade, but they grow best in cool, springtime temperatures (55 to 60°F), and may stop blooming when temperatures rise over 70°F.
• Freesias are winter hardy in growing zones 9-10. In zones 3-8, the corms will not survive the winter outdoors, but they can be grown as annuals.
• Freesias should be planted in a sunny garden bed with soil that is rich but not heavy. A sandy garden loam amended with humus or compost is ideal. The corms are small and don’t require deep planting; place them only about 2 inches deep with the pointed end facing up. The plants look best when grouped in bunches of five to seven. Space corms about 3 inches apart, then water the planting area well. Freesias should start blooming about 12 weeks after planting the corms.
• Freesias can be grown in pots or planted in borders outside. In USDA hardiness zones 9 and warmer, you can plant freesia corms in fall. In cooler areas, however, plant the corms in spring. Also, in USDA zones cooler than 9, the corms won’t survive the winter in the garden. You will need to dig them up at the end of the season and store them until next spring.

Freesia Colors and Symbolism

• There are over 1,400 cultivars of freesias, and they come in many colors, including pink, red, white, yellow, orange, blue, and purple. According to florists, specific colors have special meanings. White is most often used for weddings, symbolizing purity and innocence. Pink stands for motherly love. Yellow signifies joy and friendship. Red is a symbol of passionate love. Multicolored freesias are most often a sign of friendship.
• Freesias are immensely popular as a cut flower due to their exotic-looking blooms, which are loved for their strong spicy-sweet fragrance. Funnel-shaped, freesia flowers are borne in dense, branching clusters on slender stems 30-60 cm high, above long narrow green leaves.