Description
Introduction to Freesia Double Purple Rain
Freesia Double Purple Rain is a vibrant blend of double-flowered freesias, known for their colourful, fragrant blooms. This pack of cormous perennials from the Iridaceae family brings beauty to gardens and floral arrangements alike. Thriving in cool to subtropical climates, these South African natives create stunning spring displays bursting with colour and scent. Ideal for family gardens, Freesias are safe for pets and children, making them a versatile, family-friendly choice.
Key Characteristics
Double Purple Rain freesias have long, narrow green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for clusters of double-petaled blooms in striking shades of magenta pink. These ruffled, layered blooms add texture to each stem. With their eye-catching colour and appealing fragrance, freesias enhance outdoor displays and are equally lovely in vases, bouquets, and floral arrangements indoors.
Best Uses
Freesia Double Purple Rain is ideal for mass planting, creating a cohesive display in beds, borders, and containers. These freesias naturalise beautifully under trees or across lawns, adding meadow-like charm to spring gardens and enhancing both large and small spaces. They also make excellent cut flowers, adding 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 Purple Rain performs well in cooler, drier, or moderately humid environments with proper care.
How to Plant Freesias
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 Purple Rain 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 delightful fragrance, Freesia Double Purple Rain is suitable for most environments; however, individuals with strong fragrance sensitivities may prefer to enjoy these blooms outdoors or consider varieties with a softer scent profile.
Supplied as dormant corms.