Freesia hybrid

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Freesia hybrids

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Zones 8, 9, 12-28

Full, Partial

Moderate

Iridaceae
Bulbs and bulblike plants, Perennials, Flowers

FREESIA

South African native perennials prized for the rich perfume of their flowers. In spring, wiry, 1 to 1 1/2-ft. stems bear spikes of tubular flowers that reach 2 in. long, flare to 2 in. wide. Each stem bends at nearly a right angle just beneath the lowest bud. Narrow, sword-shaped leaves to 1 ft. tall grow in iris-like fans.

Freesia hybrid

These hybrids (Dutch and Tecolote hybrids represent the majority of those sold) have larger, single or double blossoms in yellow, orange, red, pink, lavender, purple, blue, and white. They're sold mixed or in single-color varieties. Volunteers tend to revert to cream marked with purple and yellow. These newer hybrid freesias are generally not as fragrant as the old-fashioned type. Plant Freesia corms in fall for bloom in spring.