Freesia is a genus of herbaceous perennial anthesis plant in the family Iridaceae , first describe as a genus in 1866 by Christian Friedrich Ecklon ( 1886 ) and list after the German botanist and aesculapian practitioner , Friedrich Freese ( 1795–1876 ) . It is native to the easterly side of southern Africa , from Kenya south to South Africa , most species being find oneself in Cape Provinces .
The plants ordinarily hollo “ freesias ” in horticulture and floristry are derived from interbreeding made in the 19th C betweenFreesia refractaandFreesia leichtlinii . legion cultivars have been breed from these species and the pink- and yellow - blossom forms ofFreesia corymbosa . modernistic tetraploid cultivars have heyday ranging from white to yellow , pinkish , cherry-red and low - mauve . They are mostly cultivated professionally in the Netherlands by about 80 growers
They are perennial cormose flora , although in colder climate , they ’re often treated as annuals . Freesias grow from corms , which are bulb - like social system . Plants typically grow to 12 - 18 column inch ( 30 - 45 cm ) tall . The leaves are narrow , sword - mold , and grow in a rooter - like arrangement from the foot of the industrial plant . They are usually green but can vary in intensity .
Flower Characteristics
Cultivation
Climate and Planting :
Soil : They prefer well - drain , fertile soil with a pH slightly on the acid side . A admixture of loam , sand , and organic matter works well .
luminance : Full sunlight to fond tint . They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily but can do good from some good afternoon shade in hotter clime .
Watering : Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged , specially during the growing time of year . After blooming , reduce watering as the foliation start to die back .
Temperature : Freesias fly high in temperature between 60 - 65 ° F ( 15 - 18 ° ampere-second ) during the day , with cooler nights being beneficial for blossom development .
Fertilization : utilize a balanced , slow - freeing plant food at planting sentence , and then a liquid fertilizer every few calendar week during the grow period . Avoid high - nitrogen fertilizer which can boost leafage growth at the expense of flowers .
Planting Depth & Spacing : Plant corms 2 inch deep and 2 - 3 inches apart . The pointed end should face upward .
Care After bloom : After flowering , set aside the foliage to die back naturally before repeal the corm if you ’re in a part where they wo n’t survive the winter out-of-doors . Store corms in a cool , dry space until next planting season .
extension : New corms form at the groundwork of the old single . These can be dissever and planted to spring up new plants . Ensure the corms are firm and free from rotting before replanting .
Pests and disease
Special Tips
