About Freesia
Freesias are delicate, funnel-shaped flowers that grow in graceful arching stems, releasing one of the most beloved fragrances in the floral world. These charming blooms have been treasured for over a century for their sweet perfume and cheerful appearance.
Originally from South Africa, freesias have become popular worldwide in both gardens and cut flower arrangements. Their intoxicating scent, reminiscent of strawberries and honey, combined with their vibrant colors and affordable price, makes them a favorite choice for spring bouquets and special occasions.
Primary Meanings
- Friendship: Represents lasting bonds and trustworthy companionship
- Thoughtfulness: Symbolizes consideration, care, and kindness toward others
- Innocence: Conveys purity, trust, and childlike wonder
- Perseverance: Represents resilience and the ability to overcome challenges
Freesia Colors and Their Meanings
White Freesia
Purity, innocence, and thoughtfulness
Yellow Freesia
Joy, friendship, and optimism
Pink Freesia
Motherly love, grace, and femininity
Red Freesia
Passion, romance, and heartfelt emotion
Purple Freesia
Dignity, pride, and mysticism
Orange Freesia
Enthusiasm, energy, and warmth
Popular Freesia Types
Single Freesia
Traditional variety
Double Freesia
Multiple layers of petals
Royal Blue Freesia
Popular variety
Oberon Freesia
Deep purple
Care Instructions
Water
Change water every 2-3 days and keep vase clean
Remove Leaves
Cut stems at an angle and remove lower leaves
Light
Keep in cool room away from heat and direct sun
Flower Food
Add flower food to extend bloom life
Remove Spent Blooms
Remove spent flowers to encourage remaining buds to open
Best Occasions for Freesia
- Friendship celebrations: Friendship celebrations
- Mother's Day bouquets: Mother's Day bouquets
- Spring weddings: Spring weddings
- Birthday gifts: Birthday gifts
- Thank you arrangements: Thank you arrangements
Interesting Freesia Facts
- Freesias were named after German botanist Friedrich Freese in 1866
- The flower's fragrance is strongest in the morning hours
- Freesia essential oil is a popular ingredient in high-end perfumes
- They are the traditional flower for the 7th wedding anniversary
- Each stem can produce 6-12 flowers that bloom successively
- White freesias are considered symbols of innocence and are popular in bridal bouquets
How to Buy Good Freesia
Buy a stem with the first floret just opening and the rest in tight bud along the arch. The buds open in sequence from the base outward, so one bought early gives you a week or more of flowers and scent. If several florets are already open the stem is well into its life. Buds at the tip should be plump, not shrivelled.
Season, Availability and What Drives the Price
Greenhouse grown and available most of the year, with the best quality and lowest prices in late winter and spring. Freesia is one of the most strongly scented flowers in general trade, and the scent varies by color, the white and yellow varieties are usually the most fragrant, the reds and purples noticeably less so. If you are buying for perfume, buy white.
What to Use Instead
For scent at a similar price, stocks and hyacinths are the obvious alternatives, both seasonal. For the arching form in an arrangement without the fragrance, use spray orchids or small alstroemeria.
Safety Around Pets and Skin
Freesias are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them one of the few strongly scented cut flowers that is genuinely safe in a house with pets, a useful thing to know when lilies are ruled out.
Florist Tips for Freesia
Buy for the buds, not the open flowers
The whole value is in the sequential opening. A stem with one floret open and eight to come is a week of flowers.
They are sensitive to fluoride
In hard-water areas freesias sometimes brown at the petal edges from fluoridated tap water. Filtered or bottled water helps if you see it happening.
Cool rooms hold the scent
Warmth speeds them through their life and the fragrance goes with it.
Common Questions About Freesia
Why don't my freesias smell of anything?
Color is the usual reason. White and cream freesias are much more strongly scented than the red and purple varieties. Warmth also burns the scent off quickly.
How long do freesias last?
Around a week to ten days, and longer if bought in bud, because the florets open in sequence along the stem.
Are freesias safe around pets?
Yes, they are non-toxic to cats and dogs, one of the few heavily scented flowers that is.