Freesia is a highly popular flowering plant prized globally for its intense, sweet fragrance and elegant appearance, making it a favorite in the cut flower industry. This herbaceous perennial belongs to the Iridaceae family, which also includes irises and gladioli. Originating primarily from the Cape Provinces of South Africa, the plant thrives in its native winter-rainfall region. The cultivated varieties seen in floristry today are complex hybrids developed from several wild species, selected specifically for their vibrant colors and enhanced scent.
Botanical Identity and Physical Characteristics
The Freesia plant grows from an underground storage organ called a corm, a solid, swollen stem base often confused with a true bulb. The corm is typically conical and protected by a thin, netted, fibrous tunic that helps the plant survive periods of dormancy. From the corm emerges a tuft of narrow, sword-shaped leaves that can reach up to 16 inches in length, providing a grassy backdrop for the emerging flowers.
The plant produces a thin, wiry flower stalk, or scape, which generally reaches heights of one to two feet. A distinctive feature is the arrangement of the flowers along this stalk, forming a one-sided spike known as a raceme. The trumpet-shaped florets appear in a slightly arching row, with the flowers themselves being approximately one to two inches long. Cultivated Freesia varieties display a broad spectrum of colors, including pure white, sunny yellow, orange, deep pink, red, and various shades of purple.
The Distinctive Fragrance Profile
Freesia is renowned for its powerful and clean fragrance, which is often characterized as sweet and slightly fruity with subtle citrus and sometimes peppery undertones. This aroma is primarily composed of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with a high concentration of monoterpenes. The dominant compound responsible for the classic Freesia scent is linalool, which can account for over 50% of the total volatile content in many hybrid cultivars.
Other significant scent components include alpha-terpineol and beta-ocimene, which contribute to the floral-green notes of the profile. The presence of compounds like D-limonene adds a clean, bright, citrus element to the overall aroma. This scent profile makes Freesia one of the most sought-after floral notes in perfumery and aromatherapy, valued for its excellent projection and longevity.
Essential Care and Cultivation Requirements
Successful cultivation of Freesia, which is naturally a tender perennial, depends on providing specific environmental conditions, particularly regarding temperature. Freesia corms should be planted approximately two inches deep and three inches apart in a location that receives full sun to light afternoon shade. The soil must be well-drained and rich in organic matter to prevent the corms from rotting.
The plant requires a cool period for flower bud formation, specifically needing nighttime temperatures between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. In regions outside of hardiness zones 9 and 10, where winter temperatures are too cold, Freesias are commonly grown as annuals or planted in containers to be overwintered indoors. During the active growing phase, the plants should be watered consistently, keeping the soil moist but never waterlogged.
Once the flowers begin to fade and the foliage starts to yellow, watering should be gradually reduced to allow the plant to enter its dormant phase. Freesia is also a favorite cut flower, and its vase life, typically lasting seven to ten days, can be maximized by cutting the stems when the first floret is just beginning to open. Providing a commercial floral food solution helps to sustain the blooms once they are brought indoors.