Have you ever caught a scent on the breeze that instantly made you smile? A fragrance that feels both familiar and wonderfully new? For many, that's the magic of freesias. These delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers are adored not just for their vibrant colours but for their captivating perfume.
But if you've never had a bunch of freesia grace your home, you might be asking, “What does freesia smell like?” Let's explore this beautiful aroma together.
How Does Freesia Smell Like, Exactly?
The freesia smell is complex and layered, which is why it’s so enchanting. It isn't a single, flat note. Instead, it’s a delightful blend that is often described as sweet and fruity with a refreshing, almost airy quality. Think of hints of ripe strawberries or other summer fruits, mixed with a touch of citrus and a clean, green background.
The short answer is that freesias have a sweet, fruity scent with a distinct peppery undertone. It is potent without being overpowering, making it a favourite in hand bouquets, flower boxes, and perfumes. The fragrance is clean and light, offering a sophisticated aroma that brightens any space.
Do Different Coloured Freesias Have Different Scents?
It's a fantastic question, and the answer is a definite yes! While all freesias share that signature sweet and peppery base, their specific colour often hints at the dominant notes in their perfume. Think of it as different members of the same family, each with their own unique personality. This variation is down to the specific genetics and breeding of each cultivar.
Here’s a more detailed guide to what your nose can expect:
- Red and Pink Freesias: These are often the fragrance powerhouses of the group. They tend to have the most robust and complex scents, leading with warm, spicy, and noticeably peppery notes. The underlying fruitiness is still there, but it’s wrapped in a bolder, more aromatic character.
- White and Yellow Freesias: These are the classic, clean-scented members of the family. White freesias are particularly known for their bright, airy fragrance with a prominent peppery kick. Yellow varieties often lean more towards a sweet, honeyed scent with bright, zesty hints of citrus. They smell like pure sunshine.
- Purple, Blue, and Lavender Freesias: These lovely, cool-toned flowers typically offer a more subtle and gentle fragrance. Their scent is often described as being more 'green' or having an aquatic freshness, like a garden after a light rain. The peppery note is usually softer, allowing the clean, floral character to shine through.
What Is the Best Way to Care for Freesias in a Vase?
Keeping your freesias looking and smelling beautiful is easy when you know a few simple tricks of the trade. These delicate-looking flowers are actually quite resilient, but they do appreciate a little attention. Following these steps will significantly extend their vase life, especially in our warm and humid climate.
1. Start with a Spotless Vase
Before you do anything else, give your vase a thorough wash with soap and water. Any lingering bacteria can contaminate the water and clog the flower stems, preventing them from drinking properly.
2. Provide Fresh Water and Food
Fill your clean vase about two-thirds full with fresh, lukewarm water. Avoid very cold water, as flowers absorb warmer water more easily. Always add the little sachet of flower food that comes with your bouquet. It’s a specialised mix of nutrients and antibacterial agents that helps the buds open and keeps the water clean. Remember to change the water completely every two days.
3. Trim the Stems Correctly
Your flowers will be a bit thirsty after their journey. Use a sharp pair of scissors or a knife to trim at least 2-3 cm off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This creates a larger surface area for water absorption. A great tip is to trim them under running water to prevent air bubbles from blocking the stems.
4. Remove All Lower Leaves
Gently pluck off any leaves that will fall below the waterline in the vase. Leaves left in the water will quickly begin to decay, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that will shorten the life of your entire bouquet.
5. Choose the Perfect Spot
Where you place your freesias matters. Keep them in a cool, bright spot but away from direct, harsh sunlight. It's also important to keep them away from heat sources like radiators or electronics and drafts from fans or air conditioners. A crucial tip is to keep them far from your fruit bowl, as ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which causes flowers to age much faster.
How Can I Make My Freesia Bouquet Smell Stronger?
If you want to turn up the volume on their scent, it's all about creating the right environment to encourage the flowers to release their fragrant essential oils.
Here’s how you can maximise their beautiful aroma:
- Warmth is the Key: Fragrance is released more readily in warmer air. Place your vase in a comfortably warm room, like a living room or entryway, rather than a cool, drafty hallway.
- Location Matters: Position the bouquet where you can appreciate it most. Placing it in a high-traffic area ensures you and your guests will catch a lovely whiff whenever you walk past. Smaller, enclosed spaces, like a home office or bedroom, can also help the scent to concentrate, creating a more immersive experience.
- Hydration is Everything: A healthy, hydrated flower is a fragrant one. Stressed or thirsty flowers won't have the energy to produce a strong scent. By following the care tips above, especially changing the water and re-trimming the stems every couple of days, you ensure they are happy and performing at their best.
- Encourage All Buds to Bloom: Freesias have a lovely habit of blooming sequentially up their stems. As new flowers open, the fragrance in your room will be constantly refreshed. You can help the plant direct its energy to the new buds by carefully snipping off the older, spent blooms at the base.
Conclusion About The Smell of Freesia Flower
The freesia smell is more than just a pleasant aroma; it’s an experience. It’s the scent of celebration, of a thoughtful gift, of a quiet moment of beauty in your home. It’s a fragrance that feels both uplifting and calming, making it the perfect choice for any occasion.
Ready to fill your home with this incredible fragrance? Experience the joy of fresh flowers, delivered right to your doorstep with Windflower Florist, with on-time same-day flower delivery in Singapore, or your order is free.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Smell of Freesia Flower
Which Freesia Colour Is the Most Fragrant?
Generally, the red and pink varieties of freesia are considered the most fragrant. They tend to have a richer and spicier scent profile compared to the lighter, more citrusy notes of the white and yellow freesias.
Why Can't I Smell My Freesias?
There could be a few reasons. Some freesia hybrids are bred for appearance rather than scent, so they may have a very subtle fragrance. Also, your sense of smell can become accustomed to a scent over time, a phenomenon known as olfactory fatigue. Try stepping out of the room for a few minutes and coming back in.
How Long Does the Scent of Freesias Last in a Bouquet?
The scent is strongest when the flowers first open and will last for the life of the blooms, which is typically 5 to 10 days with proper care. As the flowers age, the intensity of the fragrance may gradually lessen.
Is the Freesia Smell Overpowering?
No, one of the most beloved qualities of the freesia scent is that it is noticeable without being overpowering. It has a clean and airy quality that allows it to fill a room with a pleasant perfume that is not cloying or heavy like some other floral scents.
What Other Flowers Pair Well with Freesias in a Bouquet?
Freesias pair beautifully with a variety of flowers. Their delicate structure and lovely scent complement roses, lilies, tulips, and lisianthus. Their linear form also adds wonderful height and texture to mixed arrangements.
