Description
Introduction to Freesia Parigo Giant Blue Sky
Freesia Parigo Giant Blue Sky is known for its impressive height and single-petaled blooms in captivating purple-blue shades. This cormous perennial from the Iridaceae family brings sophistication to gardens and floral arrangements. Thriving in cool to subtropical climates, these South African natives create vibrant spring displays and are safe for pets and children, making them a versatile, family-friendly choice. Ideal for both seasoned and beginner gardeners, these low-maintenance plants suit anyone looking to add elegance with minimal effort.
Key Characteristics
With tall, graceful stems and large purple-blue flowers, Freesia Parigo Giant Blue Sky makes a bold garden statement. The long green leaves provide an elegant backdrop, and its beautiful, sweet fragrance enhances its appeal as a cut flower with an extended vase life when cut in bud.
Best Uses
Ideal for mass planting, Freesia Parigo Giant Blue Sky creates a cohesive display in beds, borders, and containers. It also naturalises well under trees or across open lawns, adding meadow-like charm to gardens. The vibrant blooms and fragrances make them ideal for weddings, special occasions, or indoor arrangements.
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, freesias perform well in cooler, drier, or moderately humid environments with proper care and can tolerate temperatures down to 0°C.
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 Parigo Giant Blue Sky 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 gentle fragrance, Freesia Parigo Giant Blue Sky is an excellent option for individuals with mild fragrance sensitivities who still wish to enjoy freesias. For those with severe allergies, other excellent allergy-free bulb options are available on our website, allowing everyone to find the perfect bloom for their needs.
Supplied as dormant corms.