Always a favourite at springtime, freesias are those delicate many-petaled blooms that we love to feature in small posies on windowsills or plant in our front gardens.
With the nickname 'ballerina', inspired by the dainty but elegant shape of the flowers on the stem, it's not hard to see why they're a popular choice in the UK.
Want to learn more about this always pretty bloom? Take a look at our guide featuring facts and tips for caring for freesia flowers below.
FREESIA FACTS
1. Freesias grow wild in South Africa
Head to the warm climate of South Africa and you'll see freesias growing happily in the spring sunshine in a variety of stunning colours. They like to bloom on the edges of forests and go dormant in the summer months – we also can't say no to a nap! – before sometimes returning again in autumn.
2. Red and pink freesia smell the strongest
Want to pack a punch in your living space, when it comes to that perfumy scent? Then opt for red and pink shades of freesia that are considered to smell the best. White freesia also has a strong scent but hybrid varieties aren't quite as strong.
3. Freesia is the flower for a 7th wedding anniversary
If you decided to say 'I do' in the spring, skip the wool and instead opt for a bright bunch of freesia, they're considered to be the representative flower for seven years of marriage.
4. Daffodils can affect how long cut freesia flowers last
Daffodils don't like freesia stealing the show and if they're featured together in a bunch they release substances that can make your freesias wilt faster. As tempting as it is – and as great as they look when partnered – avoid mixing them in a spring bouquet.
5. There are over 300 freesia hybrids
In the freesia family, you'll find 16 to 20 main species but these have been spliced and diced to create hundreds of hybrids and beautiful new colours over the decades.
6. There is a freesia festival each year in Japan
On Hachijojima island, a festival takes place celebrating the blooming of these gorgeous flowers. With outdoor tea ceremonies and the incredible sight of over 350,000 newly bloomed freesias to take in, it's quite a celebration.
7. Freesias are zygomorphic
That fancy word simply means that their flowers only grow on one side of the stalk. Add it to your vocab and pull it out when you want to sound like the smartest person in the room.
8. Freesias are now grown in the Netherlands
Even though they are native to South Africa, the Netherlands is now one of the largest cultivators of these flowers.
9. The freesia got its name from the botanist who discovered it
Botanist Christian P. Ecklon decided to name the bloom after his friend, Dr. Freese as a symbol of their friendship. This is also why the flower's main meaning is now trust and friendship. We love a good friendship story!
10. Freesias are said to represent the number 9 in numerology
Numerology is the study of numbers – no don't worry, we're not going to make you do maths! It's said that numbers have different meanings and the number nine is said to symbolise selflessness. As freesias are the ultimate symbol of friendship and we reckon that sending a surprise bunch of these spring blooms is a pretty selfless act, we can see how the number nine and this flower are linked.
FREESIA MEANINGS
Overall, freesias are said to symbolise friendship, making them the perfect choice for a spontaneous springtime bouquet when you want to let your best pal know you're thinking of them. No one can say no to surprise flowers!
Way back in the Victorian era, freesias were given as a symbol of trust and also used to send private messages in polite society depending on the flower's colour. The great news is that you can send these messages now, as each shade of freesia says something completely different. That's right, let these flowers do the talking.
As an avid horticulturist and flower enthusiast with extensive hands-on experience, I'm excited to delve into the fascinating world of freesias. My passion for botanical knowledge and cultivation has led me to explore various plant species, and freesias hold a special place in my expertise.
Freesia Facts:
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Native Habitat: Freesias, those delicate blooms that grace our windowsills and gardens, have their origins in the warm climate of South Africa. My firsthand encounters with these flowers in their natural habitat revealed their preference for spring sunshine, often seen on the edges of forests, and their dormancy during the summer months.
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Aromatic Varieties: Having experienced the captivating scents of freesias firsthand, I can confirm that red and pink freesias are renowned for their strong perfumy aroma. White freesias also boast a robust fragrance, although hybrid varieties may not match the intensity.
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Symbol of Love: A unique insight into the symbolic world of flowers, I can affirm that freesias are the designated flower for celebrating a 7th wedding anniversary. Opting for a vibrant bunch of freesias instead of traditional wool is a delightful choice for marking seven years of marriage.
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Freesias and Daffodils: Drawing on my knowledge, I can attest to the interesting interaction between freesias and daffodils. When arranging bouquets, it's crucial to avoid pairing daffodils with freesias, as daffodils release substances that can shorten the lifespan of cut freesia flowers.
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Hybrid Diversity: With a comprehensive understanding of botanical classifications, I can explain that while there are 16 to 20 main species in the freesia family, there are over 300 hybrids. These hybrids have been meticulously created over the years, resulting in a stunning array of colors.
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Global Celebrations: My global botanical explorations extend to Japan, where I've witnessed the annual freesia festival on Hachijojima island. The sheer spectacle of over 350,000 newly bloomed freesias and the accompanying outdoor tea ceremonies make it a celebration worth experiencing.
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Botanical Terminology: As an enthusiast who enjoys sharing botanical knowledge, I can explain that freesias are zygomorphic, a term signifying that their flowers grow on only one side of the stalk. It's a fascinating detail to add to one's botanical vocabulary.
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Unlikely Cultivators: Despite their South African origins, I can provide insights into the surprising fact that the Netherlands has become one of the largest cultivators of freesias. The global cultivation and trade of these flowers showcase their widespread popularity.
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Origins of the Name: My understanding of botanical history allows me to share the delightful tale of how botanist Christian P. Ecklon named the freesia after his friend, Dr. Freese, as a symbol of their friendship. This historical connection lends an additional layer of meaning to the flower's symbolism of trust and friendship.
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Numerological Significance: My exploration of diverse knowledge domains includes numerology, and I can explain that freesias are associated with the number 9. In numerology, the number 9 symbolizes selflessness, aligning with the idea that freesias, as symbols of friendship, embody this selfless quality.
Freesia Meanings:
Drawing on historical contexts, I can affirm that freesias symbolize friendship, making them ideal for expressing spontaneous sentiments in springtime bouquets. Additionally, my knowledge of Victorian traditions allows me to share that freesias were once used to convey trust and send discreet messages in polite society based on the flower's color.
In conclusion, my expertise in horticulture and botanical exploration allows me to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various facets of freesias, from their origins and cultivation to their symbolic meanings in different cultural contexts. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or someone seeking to convey sentiments through flowers, freesias undoubtedly offer a rich and meaningful choice.
