Purple fressia (freesia refracta) 

April

Flower of the Month 

Freesia (freesia refracta)

Freesias are a native flower to South Africa and common relatives of the crocus, gladiolus and iris. Of the 14 freesia species, 12 are native to Cape Province in South Africa, the remaining two to tropical Africa.

Freesias are available all year round with peak production in late winter and early spring.  They have several sword shaped leaves surrounding a thin flower stem. The flower stems bend at right angles at the top where the 5–10 tubular shaped flowers start.Freesias come in both single and double varieties. The flowers are very fragrant, typically white or yellow in colour, but also come in shades of orange, red, pink, mauve, lavender, purple and bi-colours. Freesia perfume has a light, sweet, floral scent - popular in soaps, lotions, candles, scented oils and bath salts.

Freesias make excellent cut flowers and are highly prized for their delightful perfume. Freesia flower bouquets are used for gifting on special occasions. The freesia flower is symbolic of innocence.

Image: Single pink freesias in glass bud vases. 

Follow these care instructions to extend the vase life of your flowers. You will enjoy your freesia for between 4-12 days.

1. Keep the vase filled with fresh, room temperature water mixed with flower food.

2. Every few days, remove the flowers from the design and re-cut the stems. Remove 2-4 cm from the bottom of the stem and be sure to cut the stem at an angle to allow the flower the best chance to take up water. Use a sharp knife or sharp floral cutter or scissor. Avoid smashing or piercing the stems, as this can destroy the water vessels in the stem and prevent water absorption.

3. Remove any spent or damaged blooms or foliage that fall below the waterline in the vase, as this could promote the growth of bacteria which can shorten a flower's life.

4. To avoid disturbing the stem placements in a vase arrangement, tie the stems with twine just above the vase’s edge before taking them out of their vase. Hold the tied arrangement at the twine-bound point to re-cut the stems. Then place them back into the clean vase with the fresh water and a flower food.