Flower Encyclopedia
Freesia
Freesia hybrida
Slender arching stems of funnel-shaped blooms known for a sweet, citrusy perfume.
Written by the Burton Floral Design team · Published July 24, 2026
At A Glance
Typical vase life
5–10 days
Availability
Most of the year
Peak months
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec
Cost
Moderate
Fragrance
Strong
Pollen
Low
Care
Moderate
Out of water
Under 2 hours
Heat tolerance
Low
Cold tolerance
Moderate
Outdoor events
Fair
Around pets
Lower risk
Pets in the house? Lower risk.
Freesia is generally regarded as a lower-risk flower to have around cats and dogs, though no flower should be treated as edible. If a pet chews on any part of an arrangement, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service.
What It Means
Freesia symbolizes trust, friendship, and thoughtfulness, and it is a traditional flower of innocence and lasting friendship. Its cheerful scent and delicate form make it a favorite for expressing sincere, uncomplicated affection.
Colors it comes in
white · yellow · pink · red · purple · orange · cream
Coordinates beautifully with
white · soft yellow · pale pink · fresh green
Season & Sourcing
Freesia is grown for the US market through much of the year, with strongest supply and variety in the cooler months. Availability of specific colors can shift week to week, so ask about current options.
Vase life, honestly
Freesia lasts five to ten days and opens progressively along the stem, so buds continue to bloom after you bring it home. Pinch off spent lower florets to keep the stem looking fresh.
Fragrance
Freesia is prized for a sweet, fresh, citrus-and-honey fragrance, strongest in white and yellow varieties. A few stems can lightly perfume a room without becoming heavy.
Keeping It Alive
- 1Recut stems at an angle and place them in clean, cool water with flower food.
- 2Strip lower foliage so no leaves sit below the waterline.
- 3Keep the arrangement cool and out of direct sun to slow the buds from opening all at once.
- 4Pinch off individual florets as they fade so the newer buds keep opening.
- 5Change the water every couple of days to extend the display.
What it costs: Freesia sits in the moderate range and is priced by the stem, with double-flowered and specialty colors costing more. Its fragrance and long budded stems give good value for the money.
Where It Shines
At weddings
Freesia adds a light, scented, arching accent to bouquets and centerpieces and suits spring and garden-style weddings especially well. Its range of clear colors makes it easy to match a palette, and its fragrance is a memorable touch.
In sympathy work
Soft white and pastel freesia bring gentleness and a comforting scent to sympathy arrangements. It reads as tender and personal rather than formal, fitting for pieces sent to the home.
Every day
A thoughtful pick for friendship, thank-you, and thinking-of-you bouquets, where its sweet scent and cheerful color do the talking. A single fragrant bunch brightens a kitchen or bedside.
Can't Get It? Try
A Little History
Freesia is native to southern Africa and was named in the 1800s in honor of the German physician Friedrich Freese. Extensive Dutch breeding produced the fragrant, wide-color-range hybrids grown for the cut-flower trade today.
Questions People Ask
Why are only some of my freesia flowers open?
Freesia is sold with buds along the stem that open in sequence, so a fresh bunch will keep blooming for days. Pinch off the spent lower florets and the upper buds will continue to open.
Which freesia colors smell the strongest?
White and yellow freesia are generally the most fragrant, with a sweet citrus-and-honey scent. The deeper reds and purples tend to be showier but less strongly perfumed.
How do I make freesia last longer?
Keep it cool and out of direct sun, change the water every couple of days with flower food, and remove faded florets. Cooler temperatures slow the buds so the display lasts closer to ten days.
Is freesia a concern around pets?
Freesia is generally considered lower-risk around cats and dogs, but no flower is meant to be eaten. If a pet chews on an arrangement, a call to your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service is the right step.
Go Deeper, Free
Understanding Flower Meanings
The Complete Language of Flowers, From Rose Colors to Birth Month Blooms
The Flower Care Handbook
How to Keep Your Flowers Fresh, Beautiful, and Long-Lasting
Choosing the Right Flowers for Every Occasion
A Confident Decision Framework for Birthdays, Romance, Sympathy, and Everything Between
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