Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green White | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | White | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Outdoors plant corms 8cm (3in) deep in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Indoors, plant corms in peat-free, loam-based compost with added grit, in a position with 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. See freesia cultivation for detailed information
Propagation
Propagate by corm offsets; propagate by seed but may not flower for a few seasons. See freesia cultivation for detailed propagation information
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- 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
Pruning
No pruning required, spent flowers can be deadheaded if seed is not required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Love gardening
Sign up to receive regular gardening tips, inspiration, offers and more
View our Privacy Policy
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.