Position – Full sun
Soil – Well-drained
Flowering Period – Spring/summer
Hardiness – Half hardy
Freesia are cormous, deciduous, perennial plants with strong arching stems and sprays of tubed, salver or trumpet-shaped blooms, often with an intense sweet fragrance during spring or summer, dependant on variety. The flowers tend to bloom along the top side of the stem facing upwards, making them lovely to look down on and as part of an arrangement. Freesia are best suited to flower beds and borders within cottage and informal garden settings. You should expect to see Freesia grow to an approximate height of 45-60cm (18-24”) and a spread of 15cm (6”).
Freesia are best planted in well-drained soil of sand or loam within an acidic or neutral PH balance. It is crucial that the soil does not retain moisture as this can cause detriment to your plants. You can achieve this by amending the soil with 5-8cm (2-3”) of compost, ground bark or decomposed manure. You should plant Freesia corms 5cm (2”) deep and 8cm (3”) apart with the pointed end facing upward. After planting, water thoroughly and deeply to settle the soil in place – this will also encourage a healthy root system. Freesia are best positioned in an area of full sun.
Whilst Freesia are in bloom, you can use them as cut flowers in glorious bouquets and centrepieces. Once the flowering period is over, do not feel tempted to remove the foliage, as it will strengthen the bulb for future flowering. Water when required, especially in periods of drought. As summer ends, the leaves will turn yellow and die back as Freesia enters dormancy – this is when foliage should be removed.
It is possible to propagate Freesia by seed or by division during the spring.
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