About
A slender perennial growing from a small corm, with erect, sword-like leaves and, in early summer, sprays of salmon-red flowers with darker spots on the lower 3 petals.
About the genus
Freesia are cormous deciduous perennials with erect, linear to narrowly lance-shaped leaves and upright stems bearing terminal racemes of slender-tubed, salver-shaped or trumpet-shaped flowers that are usually scented
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden
Native toKenya to South Africa
Care notes
CultivationPlant corms in spring 5cm deep (2in) in full light. In the growing season, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. When dormant, the corms need to be kept completely dry
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed at 13-16°C (55-61°F) in spring. Can also be propagated by division in spring and the seedlings should flower after two years
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free