Freesia

The small, delicate pastels of the freesia have won the hearts of flower lovers the world over, especially in the UK, where over 100 million stems of the flower were sold in the last year alone.  The variety of soft colours in which the freesia is available make it an appealing flower choice  for many occasions, such as weddings, ‘Get Well Soon’ bouquets, bouquets for newborn children, funeral or sympathy arrangements, and as a very popular flower, would make an excellent birthday bouquet for a freesia aficionado as well.

Interestingly, the freesia shares many characteristics with the gerbera, although they look nothing alike.  Rather than take its name from Greek or Latin origins, the freesia was named for Dr. Friedrich Freese, another notable German doctor.  The freesia, like the gerbera, was discovered in Africa, and was virtually unknown until the late 20th century when their popularity exploded, making them one of the most popular and widely cultivated flowers in the world.  Unlike the gerbera, however, the freesia comes mainly in pastel colours, such as white and light pinks, yellows, peaches, and purples, while there are also varieties available in red and darker purple.

The freesia, matching its delicate appearance, stands for innocence and trust, and as such is an appropriate inclusion in bouquets for brides and newborns alike.  The small size of the freesia means that it rarely serves as the focal point in a bouquet unless it is on its own, but it often serves as an accent flower to many other popular blooms for a variety of occasions. 

White freesias are often present in arrangements for funerals, such as bouquets, sprays, or wreaths in which white roses or lilies are serving as the focal point.  Peach and lavender freesias can also be found at funerals, as a muted bit of colour added to an elegant floral tribute.  Purple freesias are used often if this colour is required in a bouquet, as they are one of the most common flowers available in purple.  Light pink freesias also serve as additions to pink gerberas or roses for a newborn girl, while white freesias with yellow gerberas and roses would make a pleasant summertime display.  The freesia also looks beautiful in bouquets on its own, and bouquets of white freesias, or pink, yellow, peach, and lavender freesias together, are sure to showcase the sweet beauty of this widely used flower.

© Flowers Online.org.uk 2007.

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