Flower Spotlight: Freesia

Freesia Story & Origins

The freesia flower originated in South Africa, and belongs to the Iris family which includes approximately 14 freesia species. This flower got its name when the botanist, Christian P. Ecklon, named the flower after Friedrich H.T. Freese, a fellow botanist, as a commemoration of their friendship. Freesia meanings include friendship, trust, and innocence, among various other meanings.

Due to their delicate fragrance, freesias are one of the most popular flowers in the world. However, they are very difficult to grow in domestic gardens and their petals are extremely delicate. They are popular as cut flowers and are often a florist’s favorite for bouquets and centerpieces.

Freesia flowers are similar to gladioli in that the flowers grow from a central stalk that has sword-shaped leaves. The flowers are funnel-shaped and their stalks can grow up to one foot in height.

Freesia Meanings

Freesia flower meanings generally include friendship, trust, thoughtfulness and innocence. They are a popular gift for friends and family, and is a popular flower amongst various cultures.

According to the Victorian language of flowers, the freesias are the ultimate flower of trust.

In numerology, freesias signify the number nine, which signifies selflessness and obligation.

Since the 1950s, freesias have been widely used as wedding flowers because they represent both the purity of the bride as well as the trust between the couple.

Freesia Symbolism & Colors

Due to their popularity, freesias have been widely cross-bred. Today there are over 1,400 species of cultivars ranging in color from red, white, and yellow, to purple and pink. Freesias of all colors generally symbolize trust and innocence, but there are several freesia colors that carry specific meanings.

White freesias symbolize purity and innocence. They are one of the most popular wedding flowers because they are symbolic of the purity of the bride as well as the trust between the couple.

Multicolored freesia bouquets symbolize friendship and thoughtfulness. They make great gifts for family, friends, and even co-workers.

Pink freesias symbolize motherly love.

Yellow freesias symbolize joy, renewal, and friendship.
Red freesias symbolize passion.

Freesia Facts

Freesias can either be single or double petaled, and grow in a Y-shape.

Although non-poisonous, the sap from a freesias can cause irritation for people who have sensitive skin.

The “Ballerina” freesias are named for its shape, which looks like the silhouette of a ballerina dancer.

Freesia plants are zygomorphic, which means that their flowers only grow on one side of the stalk.

Freesia Uses

It’s easy to see why the freesias are one of the most popular flowers in the world. Their sweet fragrance and variety of colors make them the perfect gift for showing your friends and family that you are thinking about them.

Resources

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Flower Spotlight: Freesia

Iris Pich