Freesia flowers are fragrant masterpieces! Bringing vibrant color, sweet scents, and a touch of elegance to your garden! These herbaceous perennials, native to South Africa, grow from unique corms which are a modified type of underground stem.
Beloved for their graceful appearance, spicy-sweet fragrance, and versatility in the landscape. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a beginner, Freesia corms are easy to grow and a joy to cultivate!
From mixed borders to patio pots, these petite bloomers add bold color and perfume wherever they're planted. Explore how to plant and care for these fragrant little flowering plants!
- All About Freesia!
- Using Freesia In The Garden
- How To Plant Freesia Corms
- Caring For Freesia
- Lifting Freesia In The Fall
- Enjoy Fragrant Freesia!
All About Freesia!
Freesia is a genus of 16 species, plus numerous hybrids and cultivars, prized for their tubular, trumpet-shaped flowers and delightful aroma. Each corm produces a rosette fountain of slender, spikey green leaves that remain attractive all season long.
The flowers, arranged along elegant, tapering stems, have a six-petaled structure and come in a dazzling array of colors—red, yellow, pink, white, and more.
Their clean, modern lines make them a favorite for both garden displays and floral designs!
Freesia's fragrance is a delightful blend of peppery, sweet, and citrusy notes, making them a popular choice for perfumes and bouquets.
Using Freesia In The Garden
Freesia corms are fast-growing and perfect for adding charm to gardens, containers, and floral designs:
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Mixed Borders and Cottage Gardens
Tuck Freesia into perennial borders and cottage gardens for vibrant color and a sweet scent that attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees. -
Containers and Small Spaces
Freesia's petite size (rarely growing taller or wider than 2 feet) makes them ideal for patio pots, planters, hanging baskets, and window boxes. -
Pathways and Edging
Plant Freesia along paths, walkways, or garden borders for a fringy, fragrant finishing touch. -
Mass Plantings
Create dramatic groupings, rows, or mass plantings of Freesia for a bold, colorful impact in your garden. -
Indoor Elegance
Freesia can be forced indoors in containers during the winter (or really any time), adding color and fragrance to your home during the colder months. Go ahead and snip a few stems to add to your bouquets.
How To Plant Freesia Corms
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Choose the Right Time
Plant Freesia corms in spring after the last frost or in fall if you live in zones 9–10, where they can remain in the ground year-round. - Prepare the Soil
- Freesia thrives in well-drained soil of nearly any type.
- Amend heavy soils with sand or compost, or create raised beds or berms. Freesia easily can be grown in containers if your soil is heavy and boggy.
- Planting Depth and Spacing
- Plant corms about 2 inches deep with the pointed end facing up.
- Space corms 6 inches apart to allow room for growth.
- Water and Mulch
- Water thoroughly after planting to help the soil settle. We recommend using the Finger Test to ensure you are watering correctly.
- Apply a 3–4 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Caring For Freesia
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Sunlight
Freesia needs full sun but will tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates. -
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Use the Finger Test to determine when it's time to water. -
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy blooms. -
Deadheading
Remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming. Allow the leaves to remain after flowering, as they help store energy in the corm for the next season. -
Pruning
Cut back the foliage once it has turned yellow and died back naturally.
Lifting Freesia In The Fall
In colder regions (zones 1–8), Freesia can be enjoyed as annuals or grown indoors or planted outside in the spring and lifted in the fall before frost. Storing your corms in a cool, dark place over the winter until next spring.
- As Annuals: Plant Freesia in spring and enjoy them throughout the growing season.
- In Containers: Bring Freesia indoors before the first frost and treat them as houseplants.
- Lifting and Storing Corms: Dig up the corms in fall, clean and dry them, and store them in a cool, dry place (50–60°F) until spring.
Enjoy Fragrant Freesia!
Freesia corms are perfect for gardeners looking to add vibrant color, spicy-sweet fragrance, and low-maintenance beauty to their landscapes. Their versatility makes them suitable for gardens of all sizes, from expansive flower beds to cozy patio planters.
Order your Freesia today and experience the joy of growing these fragrant, elegant blooms. With their stunning appearance, they're sure to become a favorite in your life!
Happy Planting!
