Freesias (Freesia): Planting and care - Easy to care for and fragrant

Freesias are known for their fragrant flowers and delicate, filigree shapes. These precious flowers belong to the iris family (Iridaceae) and are very popular due to their bright colours and elegant appearance - whether as a houseplant, garden plant or as a cut flower in a colourful bouquet. In this article, you will learn all about the origins of freesias, their flowering time, the right location and tips on planting, caring for and overwintering them. Let yourself be inspired and discover how you can make freesias shine in the garden or as an ornamental plant in your home!

Autor: Peter Karper

Overview of the topics in the article:

Freesias - Origin and meaning of the name: The origin and symbolism of freesias
Freesiaflowering time: When freesias bloom and how long they last
Freesia occurrence: Where freesias come from and in which regions they are found
Freesia characteristics: Special features of the plant and how you can recognise them
Message and meaning of freesias: symbolism and use on various occasions
Freesia care guide: tips on location, watering and fertilising
Overwintering fre esias: How to get your freesia plants safely through the winter
Freesias as bedding plants: tips for planting in the garden
Freesias and pests: Common pests and how to control them
Occasions for sending freesias: when you can give freesia flowers as a gift
Card text templates: inspiration for personalised messages

Freesia - origin and meaning of the name

Freesias, botanically known as Freesia, owe their name to the German doctor Friedrich Heinrich Theodor Freese. In honour of his botanical achievements in the 19th century, he was chosen by his friend, the botanist Christian Friedrich Ecklon, to give the plant its name. Freesias originate from South Africa, where they are native to the coastal regions. Their funnel-shaped flowers grow from a bulb, which often forms fan-shaped inflorescences. Today, they are popular all over the world and are particularly well-known as cut flowers due to their sweet fragrance.

Freesia flowering time: When and for how long do freesias flower?

Freesias flower from spring to late summer, depending on the variety. Freesias flower particularly beautifully in well-aerated soil and in a semi-shaded location. During the flowering period, the funnel-shaped flowers open one after the other on the slender stems and enchant with a pleasant fragrance. A single stem can bear up to ten buds. To preserve the flowers for a long time, you should cut the stems regularly and change the water in the vase every few days. This will keep your freesias in the bouquet fresh for longer. Make sure that freesias are not placed near fruit, as the ripening fruit will cause the flowers to wilt more quickly.

Freesia occurrence: home and distribution areas

Freesias, such as Freesia refracta and Freesia corymbosa, originally come from the coastal regions of South Africa, where they thrive in rocky soils. Thanks to the work of dedicated breeders, there is now a wide range of freesia varieties, including the popular hybrid forms such as 'Volante', which are characterised by their large, double freesias. Freesias belong to the iris family (Iridaceae) and often form colourful inflorescences that are appreciated for their bright colours and special fragrance.

Freesia characteristics: What makes this flower so unique?

Freesias are characterised by their graceful, upward-striving stems and the typical, slightly inclined funnel-shaped flowers. Their flowers appear in a wide range of colours from white to yellow to orange or purple. There are both single and double freesias, each with its own charm. They are known for their pleasant fragrance and are often used in bouquets. The fragrant flowers are not only a delight for the senses, but also a beautiful sight when the flower stems are in full bloom.

Freesias can grow up to 40 centimetres tall and have narrow, grass-like leaves. After flowering, freesias form capsule fruits that contain seeds.

Message and meaning of freesias - symbolism and tradition

Freesias symbolise trust, affection and unconditional love. Their delicate yet resilient appearance makes them a popular symbol of true friendship and devotion. Whether as part of a bouquet or as a single flower - with freesias you can bring joy to your loved ones and send a message of appreciation. Freesias look most beautiful in combination with other spring flowers such as tulips or daffodils.

Freesia care guide: planting and care at a glance

Caring for freesias is relatively easy if you follow a few care tips. Freesias should be planted in well-drained, loose garden soil or in nutrient-rich potting compost. Place the tubers about five to ten cm deep in the soil. Freesias thrive best in a bright, cool, cool and moist location. When watering, make sure that the soil is always moist but not waterlogged. During the growth phase, an organic fertiliser can be added every fortnight. Cut off wilted flowers regularly so that the flowers bloom and the plant has energy for new flowers. Freesias are perennial and can bloom every year with good care. Bulbous flowers such as freesias enrich every garden with their blaze of colour.

Overwintering freesias: How to get your plants safely through the winter

As freesias are not hardy, you should dig up the tubers after flowering and store them in a dry place over winter. It is best to overwinter the tubers in a cool and dry place at temperatures around 10 °C. Make sure that the soil is not too moist during the winter to prevent rotting. In spring, you can then plant the freesias back in the garden or in a pot. Overwintering freesias is therefore uncomplicated if you store the tubers correctly.

Freesias as bedding plants: tips for planting in the garden

Freesias are ideal for creating a colourful paradise in your garden. Plant the freesia bulbs about five to ten centimetres deep in well-drained garden soil. It is best to plant them in spring after the last frost and choose a partially shaded location. As soon as the tubers begin to sprout, make sure they are watered regularly without creating waterlogging. Freesias thrive best in well-drained soil and will transform your garden into a colourful paradise.

Freesias bear many flowers and are therefore an enrichment for any flower bed. Summer bloomers such as freesias bring colour to the warmer months.

Freesias and pests: prevention, recognition and control

Freesias are generally easy to care for, but it is important to watch out for pests. Check the plants regularly for aphids and spider mites. A balanced fertiliser helps to keep the freesias resistant. Make sure that freesias are not placed near fruit, as ripening fruit can cause the buds to wilt more quickly.

Occasions for sending freesias: when is the flower particularly suitable?

Whether as a birthday bouquet, a cheerful spring greeting or a tender token of love - freesias are an ideal choice for expressing feelings in a special way. The fragrant flowers in particular are a symbol of affection and trust. Freesias as cut flowers can last up to two weeks in a vase if cared for properly. Give a bouquet of freesias in different colours as a gift and express your appreciation. You can order freesias from us with fast delivery and make your loved ones happy.

Card text templates: suitable messages for sending freesias

Add a personal touch to your gift with a beautiful card. Here are some suggestions:

"These freesias represent our deep friendship - like their colours, they shine in many facets."
"For you, because you are as fragrant and colourful as these freesias."
"A colourful greeting to make you smile."
"These freesias are a symbol of our connection and my affection."

Discover more types of flowers in our encyclopaedia

Delve deeper into the world of flowers and find out more about their meaning, care and origin:

*Note: If you click on a link that corresponds to the current page, the page will be reloaded.