Freesia

Freesia, best famed perhaps for their sweet smell, are a staple in floristry, perfect not only in bouquets and posies but also flower baskets and floral arrangements. Immediately identifiable by their sweet smell, freesia are available in a huge array of colours. With slim, often somewhat twisted stems, each of which contains several trumped like flower heads, freesia are versatile and a perfect choice for anyone who enjoys a strong floral scent from their flowers. It is for this reason that freesia are a popular flower to send to those who are visually impaired; even if their visually striking appearance and bright colours cannot be fully appreciated, their sweet smell is immediately obvious upon receipt.

Originating from Africa, freesia are now seen the world over both in floristry and gardening. As a cut flower they can be enjoyed in many ways, from individual flowers placed in stem vases to mixed bouquets or arrangements. Owing to their wiry stems and slightly chaotic head placement, as a bouquet they work best when combined with other flowers and lush greenery, such as spray carnations and bupleurum. While tricky to grow from bulbs, once established, and with a little protection they can be enjoyed in gardens in many parts of the world, although they are particularly susceptible to frost. Appropriately, freesia make a beautiful addition to more rustic, garden-inspired bouquets and arrangements alongside flowers and blooms such as ranunculus and viburnum.

Especially popular at Easter, freesia make a great spring flower alongside other seasonal blooms such as tulips and other highly-scented spring flowers - hyacinths for example. Yellow, blue and white varieties have a longer vase life than their red and pink-coloured counterparts, often lasting up to 3 weeks if properly cared for. Remember to keep vases clean, replacing the water regularly and using an appropriate cut flower food. In doing so, your freesia will intensify in scent providing a beautiful and sweet-smelling display in your home, office or elsewhere for several weeks, all year round, but - in our opinion - best enjoyed in the spring and summertime!