| Storage Temperature: 36 - 38 F |
| Ethylene Sensitive: Yes |
| Description: Curved spikes of fragrant, trumpet
shaped florets born on one side of a slender stem. |
| Colors: Wide range of colors. |
| Botanical Facts: Native to South Africa, the
Freesia was named for Dr. Friedrich Freese, a German physician and student of South
African plants. |
| Design Notes: Work well as accent and filler
flowers. Best suited to simple arrangements. The fragrance of freesia is a
wonderful addition to floral design. |
| Purchasing Hints: Purchase stems with at
least seven flowers per spike. The first one or two florets should be open.
Select long straight stems. Avoid pale or transparent petals. |
| Conditioning: Remove all foliage that will be
below the water line. Cut under water with a sharp knife. Hydrate in a solution of
warm water and commercial floral preservative / floral food for two hours before storage
or usage. |
| Additional Notes: Fluoridated water may cause
leaf tip burn and hinder flower development. Removal of older florets on a spike
will help stimulate the opening of newer buds.
freesias are often associated with the familiar and cosy, being much loved by older
ladies. A silver bud vase with a bunch of short freesia and a sprig of asparagus fern was
typical in the 1950s. It was also a popular as gift for births.
Despite this nostalgia, freesias have a strong role in today's and tomorrow's
interiors.
The newer longer stemmed varieties displayed as a solitary flower with no accompanying
foliage, perhaps in a group of identical vases, would match the most up-to-date stylised
interior.
Minimalism is the watchword. |
