Description
Introduction to Freesia Refracta Alba
Freesia Refracta Alba (Freesia refracta alba) is a graceful, highly perfumed variety, perfect for adding elegance and fragrance to the garden. Known for its pure white blooms with a soft yellow throat, Refracta Alba brings timeless charm to beds, borders, and containers. Native to South Africa and part of the Iridaceae family, this hardy freesia offers effortless beauty with minimal care, ideal for gardeners of all levels. Planted in large swathes or smaller clusters, Refracta Alba transforms garden spaces with its delicate yet striking presence.
Key Characteristics
Refracta Alba freesias feature long, narrow green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for clusters of highly fragrant white blooms. With their strong scent and classic appearance, these freesias add elegance and a delightful fragrance to outdoor settings.
Best Uses
Ideal for mass planting, Refracta Alba fills beds, borders, and naturalised areas with soft, unified beauty. Planted under trees or across open lawns, it lends a meadow-like charm to spring gardens. These freesias also make excellent cut flowers, bringing their captivating fragrance indoors.
Climate Suitability
Freesias are highly adaptable, flourishing across a range of climates from cool to subtropical. They thrive best in temperate and Mediterranean regions, where they can naturalise and rebloom each year. While mild conditions are ideal, freesias are resilient enough for cooler, drier, or moderately humid environments, and with care, they can perform well in diverse settings.
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 has passed.
- Location: Choose a spot with full sun to light shade and shelter 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 Refracta Alba 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 its captivating fragrance, Refracta Alba is a beautiful addition to most environments. However, individuals with strong fragrance sensitivities may prefer to enjoy these blooms outdoors. For those seeking fragrance-free options, we offer other bulb varieties that produce beautiful blooms without any perfume.
Supplied as dormant corms.