Freesias

Freesia is a genus of flowering plants in the iris family Iridaceae, native to eastern Africa, with the greatest diversity in the Cape Provinces of South Africa. The genus comprises about 16 species and many hybrids. Freesias are herbaceous perennial geophytes that grow from shallow, ovoid corms. They form clumps of narrow, arching leaves and produce slender stems bearing a terminal or axillary raceme of light, trumpet-shaped flowers. The blooms are highly fragrant and come in colors including white, yellow, orange, pink, red and purple, often with bi-color patterns.

Freesias are cultivated primarily for their scented flowers and are widely used as cut flowers. In cool temperate regions, plant corms in autumn or late winter for spring bloom; in mild climates they can be grown as spring or early summer flowering perennials. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Plant corms about 5 to 7 cm deep and 8 to 15 cm apart; provide regular watering while they are actively growing, then resume a dry rest after flowering to prevent rot. In cold regions, lift and dry the corms after foliage dies back; store in a cool, dry place until replanting in autumn.

Freesias can be propagated by planting newly produced cormels or offsets from the parent corm. They are generally not grown from seed for garden use due to variability in hybrids.

Common problems include aphids, thrips and Botrytis cinerea (grey mold).

The genus was named in honor of Friedrich Freese, a German botanist.