Fantasia Freesias Purple Rain

Cerise purple double blooms. Bright garden colour. Freesias are water wise bulbs that naturalise well.

Arouse your senses with these colourful, fragrant flowers. Fantasia Freesias are fully double blooms in a range of pretty hues. The flowers are on show for weeks, and each stem produces up to ten florets.

Freesias are adored by gardeners the world over. They are easy and versatile in pots, mass plantings, beds and borders. Wherever you plant them, make sure it is somewhere you can appreciate their delightful fragrance.

From planting Freesias average 90-120 days to flower – quicker in warm weather. These hardy South African bulbs enjoy cool winters (when they initiate buds), then begin their seasonal growth with the warm, moist soils of autumn, then bloom in spring before going into dormancy, when a hot summer is appreciated.

Freesias are easy to grow bulbs that are vigorous and hardy by nature. They grow best in full sun to light shade in a well drained soil. If they are not getting enough light they will flop over.

Freesia bulbs are best left to naturalise and will only need to be lifted for division every three or four years. In cold climates they may need some protection from hard frosts – plant in pots or morning shade or add a layer of straw mulch to combat.

The blooms last up to three weeks in a vase and are best picked as the first flower opens. Yellow, blue and white are the longest lasting – but only by a day or two.

In pots use a good quality potting mix and add a bit of extra potash/tomato fertiliser. Ensure you keep the pots moist, especially once they begin to grow as pots dry out easily and quickly.