Freesia Facts
When it comes to scented flowers, nothing can compare to the fragrance of the freesia; facts that the oils are used in aromatherapy, potpourri, body oils and more are proof.
Looking at the history of the freesia, facts show that all 14 varieties of the flower originated from Africa. The perennial plant grows from a corm, or a solid bulb; slender shoots develop into thin leaves with a branched stem. These leaves can continue growing to reach up to a foot high. The blooms themselves will cluster at the top of the plant stalk, numbering as many as 8 blooms on a single stalk.
Colors of the freesia are many; ranging from whites, yellows, pinks and reds to variegated types. Each color is just as fragrant as the next; indeed, freesia facts regarding the scent are that they are among the most popular cut flowers in the world because of their intoxicating perfume.
Among the interesting freesia facts are those that associate the flower with different aspects of life. For example, freesia is a symbol of innocence. In the zodiac world, freesia is paired with the zodiac symbol Pisces, expressive of their free and gentle nature.
Adding freesia to your garden will add not only beauty but the incredible fragrance that will cling to each spring breeze. They can also be grown in a pot indoors; forget buying air freshener when blooming freesias are in the room. Plant the corms close together, with the tops approximately one inch below the surface. To have winter blooms inside, plant them in late summer or early fall; keeping them cool until frost season is one of the freesia facts that many overlook. Set the container in a sunny window to bring out the best of the blooms, and also to keep them cool at night.
Because the freesia perfume is so sweet and intense, it should not be surprising that it is used for many purposes. The essence oil is extracted for use in aromatherapy, scented candles, potpourri essence, soap essence and body oil. Essence oils are much more concentrated in scent than artificially produced fragrance oils, lasting longer and having a pure quality.
One great reason florists particularly enjoy working with freesia: facts that the flower is available all year round. It is a perfect addition to bouquets and flower arrangements for a few reasons; naturally because of its sweet scent, but also because it is known to have a long vase life of 4 to 7 days. Freesias should not be combined in a flower arrangement with daffodils, as the daffodil sap may very well shorten the vase life of the freesia.
Freesia facts such as these are designed to increase public awareness of the flower’s desirable qualities. Freesia is an exquisite pleasure to the senses; beautiful to behold and sensational as a scent.