Freesia Simple Blanc

The White Freesia or Cape Lily is a bulbous plant that has been popular among florists for a long time. Its beautiful flower spikes, adorned with lovely white and highly fragrant cups, are perfect for creating delicate bouquets. If you have a very mild climate, you can plant it at the edge of flower beds to attract bees and brighten up the front stage. However, if your winters are chilly, it is more practical to grow it in a pot. This way, windowsills and entrances can benefit from its beauty and powerful fragrance.

As its name suggests, the Cape Lily is native to South Africa and was discovered in the late 19th century. It is a perennial that thrives in warm weather, prefers a sunny exposure, and cannot tolerate any frost at all. Therefore, you will need to store the bulb (more precisely, the corm) if your region is prone to frost. However, in mild climates, it can remain in the ground and benefit from protective mulching. Its flowering period will depend on the season in which it is planted. If planted in autumn, it will bloom in April-May. If planted in spring, it will perfume the summer. Its habit (35 cm (14in) tall) allows it to fit among spring bulbs. It has a compact size: its leaves, which are deciduous, are flat, linear, and sheathing. Its silhouette is mainly marked by curved flower spikes that bear delicate flowers arranged in unilateral clusters. They measure 2 to 3 cm (1in) long, have a tubular shape, and open into cups. They are a very milky white with just a hint of yellow at the base, and they release prominent stamens from the tube. They emit a sweet and sugary fragrance and also delight pollinators.

The White Freesia can be tamed for the pleasure of the senses. In warm regions, it will weave its way among spring bulbs to bring its fresh and pearly hue. Under less favorable skies, it will bloom in summer at the edge of pathways to illuminate and perfume the passage. If you have a cold greenhouse or a conservatory, opt for pot cultivation. This way, you can enjoy early flowering and move it according to the sun.