Description
Introduction to Freesia Double Yvonne
Freesia Double Yvonne is a striking double-flowered variety known for its radiant yellow blooms and captivating fragrance. This cormous perennial from the Iridaceae family adds beauty and cheer to gardens and arrangements. Thriving in cool to subtropical climates, these South African natives create stunning spring displays filled with vivid yellow hues and sweet scents. Safe for pets and children, they’re a versatile, family-friendly choice suited to both novice and experienced gardeners looking for low-maintenance, fragrant blooms.
Key Characteristics
Freesia Double Yvonne has long, green leaves that form a lush backdrop for its vivid yellow, double-petaled blooms. The ruffled petals add depth and texture, creating a charming, fuller appearance. Known for its intense fragrance, Freesia Yvonne fills gardens and homes with a sweet, lingering scent. These blooms also have an extended vase life of up to three weeks if cut with the first bud open, allowing for long-lasting indoor enjoyment.
Best Uses
Freesias are ideal for mass planting, adding a cheerful display in beds, borders, and containers. They naturalise beautifully under trees or across open lawns, adding meadow-like charm to gardens. As cut flowers, they bring warmth and fragrance to weddings, special occasions, or indoor displays with their sunny yellow hues.
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 Yvonne 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, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
- 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 Yvonne 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 Yvonne 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.