I got a batch of freesia corms from Frances. I planted them, helter-skelter, all over my backyard. They seem to tolerate mild sun and will sneak all over.
Apparently freesias come in many different colors. In my front yard they are all white. If the ones I just put in my backyard are all white, I may resort to buying a batch.
This year I am testing whether I can purchase plants or just let the yard go wild. Half the stuff I buy never shows up anyhow. Sometimes I wonder who writes these catalogue instructions. But that is another harangue.
FYI, freesias hybrids are now available in orange, red pink, purple yellow and blue, singles and doubles. Eventually they may revert to white, sometimes with spots. The hybrids do not smell as sweetly pungent as the original whitish ones [F leichtinii].
Botanist Christian Friedrich Ecklon named the original flower after his dear friend, physician and botanist Friedrich Heinrich Theodor Freese. The flower originates in Cape Province, South Africa, and came to Europe around 200 years ago.
Freesias symbolize friendship, innocence and trust. Perhaps that’s why white freesias are such a popular choice for wedding flowers, bridal bouquets and new baby bouquets.
To plant freesias, place your corms, i.e. little bulbish things, about three inches apart and two inches deep. Pointy ends up. Soil should not be soggy, but should not dry out. Plant height will eventually be from 12 inches to 24 inches tall. If you put freesias in pots, make certain the pots have ample drainage.
If all goes well, the corms will cheerfully multiply. (Reproduction is done by corms and seeds). Seeds can come from the flower heads that have not been removed.
Freesias can also represent thoughtfulness and joy. Different colors of freesias can also have specific meanings, such as white symbolizing purity and pink symbolizing motherly love. Yellow freesias are associated with joy and renewal. Red freesias can symbolize passion.
Freesias are inexpensive to buy and seem to have a nice survival rate. If you have extra, there are always new friends.
