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Freesia Refracta Mixed

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Discover the timeless charm of Freesia Refracta Mixed (Freesia refracta), a selection of classic freesias with elegant blooms in soft shades of white, cream, and mauve. Each petal transitions seamlessly into the next, creating gentle, harmonious tones that bring serene beauty and nostalgic warmth to gardens. Perfect for mass planting in beds, borders, containers, or naturalising under trees, these freesias thrive in well-drained soil with full sun but can tolerate light shade for part of the day. Their captivating fragrance and calming presence make them ideal for gardeners seeking moments of relaxation, whether enjoying them outdoors or indoors as long-lasting cut flowers. Perfect for creating a serene, calming environment, these low-maintenance freesias effortlessly suit those who cherish traditional gardens while also appealing to anyone seeking beauty with ease. Purchase yours today and transform your garden into a haven of timeless elegance and tranquillity!

Description

Introduction to Freesia Refracta Mixed
Freesia Refracta Mixed (Freesia refracta) is a graceful, highly perfumed variety that brings gentle warmth and calming beauty to the garden. Known for its blend of whites, creams, and mauves, each bloom has a delicate yellow throat that enhances its presence in beds, borders, and containers. Native to South Africa and part of the Iridaceae family, this hardy freesia offers effortless charm with minimal care, perfect for gardeners of all levels. Planted in swathes or clusters, Refracta Mixed transforms garden spaces with a tranquil, harmonious effect.

Key Characteristics
Refracta Mixed freesias have long, narrow green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for low-growing blooms. Their compact height is ideal for dense displays, creating a soft, carpet-like effect. With a gentle fragrance and blended colours, these freesias add serene elegance to any garden.

Best Uses
Ideal for mass planting, Refracta Mixed fills beds, borders, and naturalised areas with a calming beauty. Planted under trees or across lawns, it lends a meadow-like charm to spring gardens. These freesias make excellent cut flowers, bringing their fragrance and soft colours 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 Mixed 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 Mixed 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.

Additional information

Botanical Name

Freesia refracta

Quantity in Pack

75 Bulbs

Flowering Time

Spring

Planting Time

Plant from March onwards

Growing Height

15-25 cm

Planting Depth

7 cm

Soil

Use well-draining soil; before planting, enrich poor soils with compost or well-rotted manure, adding sand or perlite if extra drainage is needed. For sandy soils, mix in organic matter to improve moisture retention. Incorporate a granular slow-release fertiliser for steady nutrition. For pots, choose a high-quality, well-draining potting mix and consider adding a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to support healthy growth.

How to Plant

Plant freesias in full sun, though they can tolerate light shade for part of the day, especially in warmer climates to shield them from the afternoon sun. Protect from strong winds. Set corms 7 cm deep with the pointed end up, spacing them 5–10 cm apart to allow room for growth. Water thoroughly after planting and apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and moderate soil temperature, encouraging vibrant blooms in spring.

Watering

After planting, water thoroughly to help settle the soil. During the growing season, check the top inch of soil; water when it feels dry, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist without waterlogging. If growing in pots, they will require more frequent watering due to quicker drying of the soil in containers. Gradually reduce watering as the leaves turn yellow and begin to wither, signalling the bulbs to enter dormancy. Once the leaves have completely died back, the soil should remain mostly dry but not fully parched. Water sparingly during dormancy, only when the soil is completely dry, to avoid excess moisture, while ensuring the soil doesn't become too dry for extended periods.

Fertilise

Enrich the soil with a granular slow-release fertiliser before planting. Six weeks after shoots appear, top-dress with a liquid, bulb, or complete fertiliser. If blooms or foliage appear nutrient-deficient, an optional feed can be applied, but avoid over-fertilising as this may cause blooms and foliage to deteriorate or lead to excessive, weak growth.

Pruning

Freesias generally do not require pruning, but you can enhance their appearance by removing spent flowers to maintain a tidy look and prevent the plant from directing energy into fading blooms. Freesias can even be cut for display, but it’s best to cut the stems when the first flower blooms to ensure the longest vase life. Once flowering ends, allow the foliage to naturally die back, helping the corms store energy for the next growing season. Do not cut the foliage until it has completely yellowed, as this ensures the corms receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth in the following season.

Freesias generally do not require frequent division but can benefit from it every 3-4 years or when overcrowding occurs. Dividing freesias helps rejuvenate the plants, promoting healthier growth and better blooms. After the foliage has died back, gently lift the corms, separate them, and discard any damaged or rotten bulbs. Replant the healthy corms or store them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, such as a mesh bag or cardboard box, until it's time to replant them. Dividing Freesias also helps prevent overcrowding, ensuring that the plants continue to thrive and bloom beautifully.
Please note: those who experience heavy frosts, humidity, and wet summers should lift and store these each year.

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