There's something truly special about the scent of freesias. It’s a sweet, peppery fragrance that can fill a room and instantly lift your spirits. But the beauty of these flowers goes far beyond their lovely perfume. With a wonderful variety available, from single, delicate blooms to fluffy, double-petalled wonders, there is a freesia for every taste.
This guide will walk you through 11 beautiful types of freesia and then show you exactly how to care for them to keep your bouquets looking spectacular.
1. Freesia 'Alba'
Freesia 'Alba' is the epitome of classic elegance with its pristine, snow-white petals. As a single-flowered variety, its beauty lies in its simplicity and clean, trumpet-like shape. It is particularly cherished for its powerful and sweet fragrance, which can gracefully perfume an entire room. Because of its symbolism of purity and innocence, 'Alba' is a timeless favourite for wedding bouquets and sophisticated floral arrangements.
2. Freesia 'Golden Melody'
For a brilliant splash of colour, 'Golden Melody' is an unbeatable choice. This variety features stunning, single flowers in a shade of pure, sunshine yellow that instantly brightens any space. Its vibrant hue is matched by a delightful, citrus-like fragrance that adds to its cheerful character. 'Golden Melody' is perfect for celebratory bouquets or for bringing a dose of happiness into your home.
3. Freesia 'Red Lion'
'Red Lion' commands attention with its rich, velvety red blooms. This single-flowered freesia has a dramatic and passionate feel, making it a powerful statement in any floral design. Its deep colour is complemented by a strong, spicy fragrance that is both warm and inviting. Use 'Red Lion' when you want to convey deep affection or add a touch of luxury to an arrangement.
4. Freesia 'Blue Moon'
'Blue Moon' offers a touch of serene and dreamy beauty with its lovely lavender-blue petals. The delicate colour is soothing to the eye, making this variety a wonderful choice for creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere. While its fragrance is often softer than other types, it carries a light, sweet scent that is utterly charming. These blooms are perfect for bedroom arrangements or bouquets meant to offer comfort.
5. Freesia 'Ambassador'
Sophistication and grace define the 'Ambassador' freesia. This variety produces large, impressive single flowers in a creamy, elegant shade of white. It is a robust and long-lasting flower, making it a top choice among florists for significant events. Its classic appearance and gentle fragrance make it a go-to for bridal work and formal centrepieces.
6. Freesia 'Belleville'
'Belleville' is a stunning example of a double freesia, boasting extra layers of soft pink petals. This gives each bloom a full, ruffled, and romantic appearance, almost like a miniature rose. The lush flowers carry a beautiful, sweet scent that enhances their charming look. 'Belleville' is ideal for creating arrangements with lots of texture and a gentle, romantic feel.
7. Freesia 'Oberon'
For those who love a bit of flair, 'Oberon' is a fantastic bi-coloured freesia. Its petals are typically a fiery red or orange, tipped with a bright, contrasting yellow edge. This vibrant combination makes it a truly eye-catching flower that brings energy and excitement to bouquets. The playful appearance of 'Oberon' makes it a brilliant choice for festive occasions.
8. Freesia 'Pink Passion'
True to its name, 'Pink Passion' showcases an intensely vibrant, fuchsia-pink hue. As a double-flowered variety, its blooms are packed with petals, creating a lush and extravagant look. This freesia doesn't just look amazing; it also has one of the most powerful and classic peppery scents in the freesia family. 'Pink Passion' is perfect for anyone who adores bold, beautiful colour.
9. Freesia 'Royal Blue'
'Royal Blue' is one of the most sought-after varieties for its deep and captivating violet-blue colour. The single, trumpet-shaped flowers grow gracefully along their slender stems, creating an elegant arch. This type is also prized for its strong and pleasant fragrance, making it a full sensory experience. It adds a touch of unique colour and regal beauty to any bouquet.
10. Freesia 'Volante'
'Volante' is a delicate and utterly charming double freesia. Its blooms are primarily white but feature a soft yellow blush that radiates from the centre of the flower. This subtle touch of colour gives it a warm and gentle appearance, perfect for soft, romantic floral arrangements. Its intricate, multi-layered petals and sweet scent make it a truly special find.
11. Freesia laxa
Often called the 'Flowering Grass', Freesia laxa has a distinctly different appearance from its cousins. Its flowers are more open and star-shaped, creating a more wild and natural look. They come in a range of colours, including shades of red, pink, and white, often with contrasting markings at the centre. This variety is perfect for adding a touch of rustic, meadow-like charm to a bouquet.
How to Care for Your Freesia Bouquet
Now that you've seen the stunning variety on offer, keeping these delicate blooms looking their best is simple with the right know-how. Proper care begins the moment you receive your bouquet. To ensure your flowers last as long as possible, you should immediately trim the stems and place them in a clean vase with fresh water and flower food.
Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
- Prepare Your Vase: Make sure your vase is sparkling clean to prevent any bacteria from harming the flowers.
- Trim the Stems: Use a sharp pair of scissors or floristry snips to cut about 2-3 cm off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This helps the stems absorb more water.
- Remove Lower Leaves: Gently pull off any leaves that will sit below the waterline in the vase. This keeps the water cleaner for longer.
- Add Water and Flower Food: Fill the vase with cool, fresh water and stir in the flower food sachet that comes with your bouquet. Flower food provides essential nutrients.
- Arrange Your Freesias: Place the stems in the vase. The buds at the top of the stalk will open over several days.
What is the Best Way to Make Freesias Last Longer?
To maximise the vase life of your freesias, placement and maintenance are key. The main goal is to keep them cool and hydrated while avoiding anything that might cause them to wilt prematurely. A little attention every couple of days makes a huge difference.
- Find the Right Spot: Place your vase in a cool spot away from direct sunlight, heaters, or drafts.
- Avoid Fruit: Keep your bouquet away from the fruit bowl. Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which can cause flowers to age and wilt faster.
- Change the Water: Every two days, replace the water completely. Give the stems a fresh trim before placing them back in the clean vase.
- Prune as You Go: As individual flowers on the stem begin to fade, gently remove them to keep the rest of the arrangement looking fresh.
Conclusion About the Types of Freesia
Freesias are a fantastic way to bring colour and fragrance into your home. With numerous lovely types of freesia available and a few simple care tips, you can enjoy their delightful presence for a long time. Why not brighten your space or send a thoughtful gift to someone special?
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Types of Freesia
What Do Freesias Symbolise?
Freesias are rich in meaning. They most commonly symbolise friendship, innocence, thoughtfulness, and trust. Different colours can also have specific meanings, with white freesias often being used for weddings to represent purity and red for passion.
How Do I Choose The Freshest Freesia Stems?
When choosing freesias, look for stems where only the first one or two flowers at the bottom are open. The rest of the buds should be closed but showing colour. This indicates the flowers are fresh, and you will get to enjoy watching them bloom over the next week or so.
Why Are My Freesia Buds Not Opening?
If your freesia buds are failing to open, it could be due to a lack of proper nutrients or exposure to ethylene gas. Always use the flower food provided with your bouquet and keep it away from ripening fruit. Also, ensure they have been trimmed correctly to allow for maximum water uptake.
Are Freesias A Good Choice For Wedding Bouquets?
Absolutely! Freesias are a very popular choice for weddings because of their delicate appearance, beautiful fragrance, and rich symbolism of innocence and trust. Their long, arching stems also add elegant lines to bouquets and arrangements.
Which Freesia Colours Are The Most Fragrant?
While all freesias have a scent, it’s generally believed that the red and pink varieties have the strongest and most peppery fragrance. White and yellow freesias tend to have a lighter, more citrus-like scent.
