Freesia (Freesia refracta)
Care, watering, light and tips for Freesia on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Iridaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Freesia
Freesia refracta, commonly known as Freesia, is a perennial bulbous plant from the Iridaceae family, cherished for its fragrant and colorful funnel-shaped flowers. Its slender stems bear clusters of blooms that can be white, yellow, pink, red, or purple, adding a vibrant touch and a sweet aroma to gardens, pots, and floral arrangements. It's ideal for borders, rock gardens, or as a cut flower due to its exquisite fragrance.
Native range
Cape Province, South Africa
Care tips
Freesia refracta thrives in full sun to light partial shade for abundant flowering, protecting it from the harshest sun in warm climates. The soil should be well-drained, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic to neutral, avoiding waterlogging which rots the bulbs. Water moderately during growth and flowering, allowing the top layer of the substrate to dry out between waterings, and reduce watering once the leaves begin to yellow. A common mistake is overwatering during the dormancy period, which can lead to bulb rot.
How to save a dying Freesia
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or soft leaves, no blooms, soft or moldy bulbs.
- First aid
- Remove rotten bulbs, repot in fresh, well-draining substrate. Reduce watering.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (rots bulbs), lack of light for blooming, freezing temperatures.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if bulbs aren't completely rotten. Act quickly.