Description
Ranunculi & Freesia Duo Pack – Vibrant Colours and Fragrant Elegance
The Ranunculi & Freesia Duo Pack combines the bold, multi-petaled blooms of Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus) with the delicate, fragrant beauty of Freesias (Freesia x hybrida) to create a stunning spring display. These two exceptional plants complement each other beautifully, offering gardeners a mix of vibrant colours and captivating scents. Ideal for beds, borders, or pots, this duo transforms any space into a celebration of springtime charm.
Why Choose This Duo?
- Ranunculi: Known as Persian Buttercup, these bold flowers produce layered petals in a wide range of hues, including yellow, red, white, pink, and orange. Perfect for mass plantings or pots, Ranunculi thrive in cool to arid climates and make excellent cut flowers.
- Freesias: Loved for their signature citrus fragrance, Freesias bloom in vibrant shades of white, yellow, pink, and purple. Thriving in cool to subtropical climates, they’re ideal for naturalising, patio containers, or gifting.
- Versatile Planting Options: Plant them as a mixed display or separate them to create unique combinations in your garden. Both are excellent for cut flowers, with Freesias lasting up to three weeks indoors.
Key Differences
Climate Suitability:
- Ranunculi: Best for cool to arid climates, including temperate and Mediterranean regions.
- Freesias: Tolerate a wider range, thriving in cool to subtropical climates and tolerating temperatures as low as 0°C.
Longevity:
- Ranunculi are often treated as annuals or biennials, as corms weaken over time.
- Freesias can naturalise, returning year after year in suitable climates.
How to Plant
General Tips for Mixed Displays
Timing: Plant from March onwards for a spring bloom.
Soil: Choose well-drained soil enriched with compost or aged manure. For heavy soils, amend with sand.
Sunlight: Both thrive in full sun, with Freesias tolerating light shade.
Depth and Spacing:
- Ranunculi: Plant 4 cm deep in cooler climates and 8 cm deep in warmer regions; space 10-15 cm apart.
- Freesias: Plant 7 cm deep with the pointed end up; space 5-10 cm apart.
Planting in Pots
- Use containers at least 30 cm wide and deep for both.
- Fill with high-quality potting mix enriched with compost.
- Position pots in sunny, sheltered locations.
Care and Maintenance
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Reduce watering as the foliage dies back.
- Fertilising: Incorporate a slow-release granule fertiliser before planting to support root development, then apply a complete fertiliser around 8–10 weeks after planting, when Freesias need feeding and Ranunculi buds begin to form. If additional nourishment is needed, an optional high-potassium liquid feed can be applied at this stage to enhance flowering.
- Mulching: Use a light layer of mulch to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Aftercare for Ranunculi
- In cool, dry climates, corms can remain in the ground year-round with a layer of mulch.
- In humid or frosty regions, lift and store them in a cool, dry place, or treat them as annuals.
Aftercare for Freesias
- Freesias naturalise well but should be lifted in regions with heavy frosts, high humidity, or wet summers. Store bulbs in a cool, ventilated area.
Pests and Diseases
Both Ranunculi and Freesias may face similar challenges:
- Pests: Aphids, slugs, snails, and thrips. Prevent infestations with organic barriers or insecticidal soap.
- Diseases: Ensure proper air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew or Botrytis blight.
Safety Notes
- Ranunculi: Non-toxic but may irritate sensitive skin. Wear gloves when handling corms.
- Freesias: Safe for pets and children, but their fragrance may not suit all sensitivities.
Supplied as dormant bulbs.