Overview
Freesia caryophyllacea is a clump forming bulbs in the genus Freesia, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Freesia caryophyllacea grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, mediterranean climate plants, patio and container plants, conservatory and greenhouse, cut flowers, flower borders and beds and wall side borders.
About
Freesia caryophyllacea is a dwarf, perennial geophyte endemic to the Western Cape and forms part of the fynbos. The species occurs from Wolseley to Swellendam, Hermanus and the Agulhas Plain. The plant grows to a height of 5 to 10 cm. The plant has already lost 77% of its habitat to agricultural activities, urban development and invasive plants. In the garden it prefers full sun and loam soil. In UK gardens it is tender and needs frost-free protection over winter (RHS H2). Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, mediterranean climate plants, patio and container plants, conservatory and greenhouse, cut flowers, flower borders and beds and wall side borders. It tolerates neutral soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Freesia caryophyllacea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Freesia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Freesia caryophyllacea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Conservatory and greenhouse, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Freesia caryophyllacea
- Propagation
- Corm offsets, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Freesia caryophyllacea?
Freesia caryophyllacea prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Freesia caryophyllacea need?
Freesia caryophyllacea grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Freesia caryophyllacea hardy in the UK?
Freesia caryophyllacea has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Freesia caryophyllacea?
Corm offsets, Seed.
More in the Freesia genus
- Freesia hybrids yellow-flowered
- Freesia 'Albâtre'
- Freesia 'Algarve' (d)
- Freesia 'Anouk'
- Freesia 'Athene'
- Freesia 'Ballerina'
- Freesia 'Beethoven' (d)
- Freesia 'Blue Bayou' (d)