Description
Introduction to Freesia Double Heaven Scent
Freesia Double Heaven Scent (Freesia x hybrida) is a captivating, double-flowered variety celebrated for its soft white and pale purple blooms and inviting fragrance. As a cormous perennial in the Iridaceae family, Double Heaven Scent brings elegant beauty to gardens and floral arrangements alike. Native to South Africa, these freesias thrive in cool to subtropical climates, creating stunning displays that add a touch of heavenly charm in spring.
Key Characteristics
Double Heaven Scent freesias are distinguished by their long, narrow green leaves, which provide a lush backdrop for clusters of double-petaled blooms on graceful, arching stems. Known for their appealing fragrance, these full, layered blooms add elegance to outdoor displays and are equally charming in indoor arrangements.
Best Uses
Double Heaven Scent is ideal for mass planting, where it creates a cohesive, vibrant display in garden beds, borders, and containers. Under deciduous trees or across open lawns, these freesias bring a meadow-like beauty in spring, making them perfect for both expansive gardens and smaller spaces. Additionally, they are excellent cut flowers, adding a touch of grace to weddings, special occasions, or simple indoor displays.
Climate Suitability
This freesia variety adapts well across climates from cool to subtropical, thriving particularly in temperate and Mediterranean regions where it can naturalise and rebloom each year. While mild conditions are optimal, Double Heaven Scent performs well in cooler, drier, or moderately humid environments with proper care.
How to Plant Freesia Double Heaven Scent
Follow these steps for planting success:
- Timing: Plant from March onwards, ideally in autumn before winter, or early spring after frost.
- Location: Choose a spot with full sun, though it will tolerate light shade for part of the day, and ensure it is sheltered from strong winds.
- Soil Preparation: Use well-draining soil; amend poor soils with compost and add sand or perlite for drainage.
- Depth and Spacing: Plant corms 7 cm deep, with the pointed end up, and space 5-10 cm apart.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Once shoots appear, keep the soil moist but not soggy for the rest of the growing season.
- Fertiliser: Add slow-release granule fertiliser at planting. Top dress with a liquid, bulb, or complete fertiliser six weeks after shoots appear, with optional light feeds to support growth and blooms.
- Mulching: Add mulch around the base to retain moisture and moderate soil temperature.
Aftercare and Dormancy
Once blooming ends, allow the foliage to die back naturally, helping store energy for the next season. Gradually reduce watering as the leaves yellow, watering sparingly during dormancy only if the soil becomes very dry. Corms can be left in the ground or lifted, cleaned, and stored in a cool, dry place until the next planting season.
Blooming and Vase Life
Freesias bloom in spring, typically lasting 2 to 4 weeks in the garden and up to three weeks indoors when cut fresh. For optimal vase life, cut stems at an angle, remove submerged leaves, refresh the water regularly, and keep arrangements in a cool spot.
Pests and Diseases
Though hardy, they may encounter pests such as aphids or thrips, manageable with insecticidal soap. Snails and slugs are best controlled through organic barriers or by hand-picking. Ensuring good soil drainage helps prevent fungal issues and bulb rot.
Safety and Allergy-Friendly
Freesia Double Heaven Scent is a family-friendly choice, as it is non-toxic and safe for pets and children. Unlike many bulbs, these freesias pose no risk if touched, making them ideal for homes where safety is a priority, even for those with sensitive skin. With a pleasant fragrance, Double Heaven Scent freesias are generally suitable for most environments; however, individuals with strong fragrance sensitivities may prefer to enjoy these blooms outdoors or opt for varieties with a softer scent profile.
Supplied as dormant corms.