Freesia is an exotic flower that is a close relative of irises and belongs to the number of bulbous plants from the family of iris. In gracefulness of branches with flowers, it is not inferior to the beauty of orchids and at the same time has its own unique charm.
"South African lily of the valley"
It is a beautiful plant with a pleasant lily of the valley aroma from South Africa, for which it received the common name - “Cape lily of the valley”. The main name is associated with the name of the German botanist Frieze, who discovered a charming flower that impresses with the variety of colorful petals.
In the wild, freesia grows in the shade of shrubs near ponds. Gardeners and flower growers grow it both in the garden and on window sills in a pot. But this South African plant won the greatest sympathy among florists, captivating their hearts with charming twigs with fragile delicate flowers that look so harmoniously in almost any bouquet. The smell of a flower is so attractive that it is widely used to create high-end perfumes, and freesia oil is often used in aromatherapy.
The main types and varieties
In total there are about 200 varieties of this flower, but the main ones are three species and their most colorful varieties. Their color gamut is so wide that everyone can find a variety suitable for their preferences.
You can grow a plant not only in the garden, but also in the house. Therefore, indoor freesia is a very popular flower, but it is not a separate species or variety. For growing in a pot, any of the options below is suitable, and the main advantage in such cases is the colorful flowering of Cape lily of the valley in winter.
Freesia Armstrong
It was this flower that became one of the species for breeders to obtain the most popular hybrid variety. A bush with xiphoid leaves reaches a height of 65–70 cm. Inflorescences in the form of panicles decorate up to five flowers in the form of bells, which have a fragrant aroma and are painted in scarlet and pink (less often - red) shades. Colorful flowering pleases the eyes in May and June. The most beautiful representatives of this species are flowers of the Cardinal variety. On one inflorescence, up to 10-11 small red flowers bloom in them.
Hybrid
The species freesia hybrida was obtained by breeders from crossing freesia refracted and Armstrong. He has incorporated the best characteristics of his "parents". A particularly branched bush grows to 1 m and is often used in landscape design to decorate borders. Looks harmoniously in the gardens against a background of spicy herbaceous plants - thyme and lavender.
Large aromatic flowers bloom on racemes. Their color can be different: from raspberry-violet to yellow and any other. Often, flowers are even two-tone. This species is also called wedding, because its flowers retain their aroma and original beauty longer than others after cutting.
Popular varieties include:
- "Ballerina" - with snow-white corrugated petals, light yellow at the base; on an inflorescence up to 12 flowers;
- Rose Marie - petals of a saturated raspberry shade, with alternating white and raspberry striped fringing at the base; up to 7 flowers on inflorescences;
- Pimperina - corrugated red petals with a dark red stripe along the upper edge and light yellow strokes in the lower part; on inflorescences up to 7 flowers; the aroma is mild;
- Royal Blue - with impressive blue and purple flowers with dark veins.
Freesia white
Another name for the species is refracted or broken freesia, since the plant has very thin stems that seem to be broken in several places. It is considered the smallest, its height rarely exceeds 40 cm. The bush is distinguished by thin sprawling branches and spike-shaped inflorescences with 3-5 snow-white or yellow-orange flowers. It blooms in April.
The Alba variety impresses with snow-white petals with purple touches. No less attractive is the variety “Fragrant Freesia” with yellow petals and an orange speck at the base, which received its name for the most tangible aroma similar to the smell of lilies of the valley. Odorata is a beautiful yellow variety with an orange core and very fragile stems.
Symbolism and meaning of the flower
Freesia is an aristocratic plant that can ennoble any bouquet and give it a particularly romantic charm. The flower is considered a talisman for purposeful individuals, and also symbolizes the seriousness of intentions. In the Middle Ages, a bouquet of Cape lilies of the valley presented to a lady was actually equivalent to a marriage proposal, was an eloquent fact that the donor had the most serious plans.
According to one legend, freesia saved Spring from Winter, for which they received a riot of bright colors and a wonderful aroma that enchanted the soul. In this regard, the Cape lily of the valley as a gift means that the recipient can always count on the support of the donor and on a trusting relationship with him. The bridal bouquet, which includes freesia, symbolizes the trust and family well-being of the spouses.
Bright colors of flowers and flowering in the springtime also gave this plant an association with the beginning of a new life. Therefore, it is not surprising that freesias are so popular in wedding decor and compositions.
According to esoteric ideas, this flower miraculously carries a contrasting combination of elegant fragility, tenderness and powerful energy. It activates the hidden powers of people, helping them move to victory. In this regard, they believe that those who like freesia are distinguished by fortitude, are capable of rash acts, but will never miss their chance to fulfill their cherished dream.
In the house where this plant blooms, according to popular beliefs, there will be no place for longing and fears. It is also believed that the wonderful aroma of this plant is able to relieve depression and insomnia. Baths from its petals have a rejuvenating effect. The light and weightless aroma of the flower captivated perfumers and is often used to create perfumes and cosmetics.
Freesia bouquets
The wide color gamut, the long preservation of the original charm after cutting, and the versatility of combination with other colors made freesia a true favorite of florists. Cape lilies of the valley are harmonious both in monocompositions and in bouquets with various other flowers (just do not put them together with daffodils). They are appropriate as a gift for any reason and are considered true leaders in wedding floristics.
Monotone bouquets
As a wedding, a bouquet of white freesias is most often used, perfectly emphasizing the delicate image of the bride. If you want brighter colors, then you can add red, purple and yellow freesias to the composition. But when choosing, it is worth considering that the flowers of the lightest color have a less pronounced aroma compared to their more colorful "counterparts".
Monotonous freesia compositions can be decorated in the form of a ball, using for the bouquet many branches of lush inflorescences. True classics - a combination of white and red colors framed by satin ribbons. Arrangements of yellow inflorescences will be a wonderful decoration for a wedding in the fall.
With roses
The combination of white freesias and spray roses (scarlet or pink shades) is considered one of the best options for wedding bouquets with an emphasis on a romantic halo.
Composition of peony roses and Cape lilies of the valley are not inferior to them in beauty and popularity.
With eustoma
Freesia looks especially original in bouquets, where lush eustoma makes her company. This is the most sensual composition, which is ideal for the bride in a classic magnificent dress. No less wide than the Cape lily of the valley, the color scheme of eustoma allows you to create different variations of bouquets.
With alstroemeria
A wonderful combination with freesia is obtained by adding alstroemeria similar to it in inflorescences to flower arrangements. Lilac or blue - it will ideally complement the bouquet with snow-white flowers of the Cape lily of the valley and will be a good decoration for a Provencal style wedding. Yellow alstroemerias combined with white or yellow freesias are a good choice for autumn celebrations.
With hydrangeas
Due to the combination of lush inflorescences with sophisticated branches of delicate flowers, hydrangea and freesia bouquets are especially romantic and incredibly airy. Such compositions are an ideal wedding option for the summer. The best combination is blue or pink hydrangea and white freesia framed by thin branches of decorative greenery.
By the way, there is a separate article about the most beautiful hydrangeas on our site most-beauty.ru.
Summarize
The riot of colors and sophisticated aroma have long made freesias true favorites among garden plants, especially pleasing to the eye and soul. Even looking at the photo, it is impossible not to fall in love with the beauty of these exotic aristocrats from South Africa. And many gardeners appreciated their charm, preferring to plant freesia in the garden as spectacular rainbow "spots", for which the eye clings for a long time.