Overview
Freesia caryophyllacea is a clump forming bulbs in the genus Freesia, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.05–0.1 metres tall. 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
About the genus
Freesia is a genus of herbaceous perennial flowering plants in the family Iridaceae, first described as a genus in 1866 by Christian Friedrich Ecklon (1886) and named after the German botanist and medical practitioner, Friedrich Freese (1795–1876). It is native to the eastern side of southern Africa, from Kenya south to South Africa, most species being found in Cape Provinces. Species of the former genus Anomatheca are now included in Freesia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Freesia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Freesia
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
- Height
- 0.05–0.1 metres
- 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.
How big does Freesia caryophyllacea grow?
Freesia caryophyllacea reaches a height of 0.05–0.1 metres.
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.