Fragrance, vase, meaning & seasonal tips
The flower with the most beautiful fragrance: why freesias are so special and how to care for them properly in a vase. Also recommended in this context: Orange Gerbera. Also recommended in this context: Exotic Mix. Also recommended in this context: Kalanchoe.
If someone asks me which flower smells the best, I answer without hesitation: freesias. This sweet, fresh, slightly citrusy fragrance is truly unique — no perfumer in the world has yet been able to recreate it synthetically. And best of all: freesia flowers are easy to care for as cut flowers and last surprisingly long.
Here you’ll find out how freesia care works in a vase, when freesia season is, and what these delicate flowers mean.
Quick profile: Freesia
Botanical: Freesia (family Iridaceae)
Origin: South Africa (Cape region)
Grown in: Netherlands, Kenya, Japan
Cut flower: available year-round, main season spring
Vase life: 7–12 days
Colors: White, Yellow, Pink, Purple, Red, Orange
Difficulty: easy
Where do freesias come from?
Freesias come from the Cape region of South Africa. They were discovered in the 19th century by the German botanist Friedrich Freese and named after him. In their wild form, they are rather understated — their vibrant colors and intense fragrance are the result of decades of cultivation, especially in the Netherlands and Japan.
Interesting: The fragrance of freesias is most intense in white and yellow varieties. Red and blue freesias often have a much lighter scent — breeding for color has partly come at the expense of fragrance.
Meaning of freesias
The meaning of freesias is friendship, trust, and innocence. In the language of flowers, freesias say: “I trust you” or “Our friendship means a lot to me.” They make a wonderful gift between friends — without any romantic undertones.
- White: Purity, innocence — popular for weddings
- Yellow: Friendship, joy, optimism
- Pink: Tenderness, a mother’s love
- Purple: Spirituality, depth
Freesia season
Freesias are available year-round, but the freesia season with the best quality and most intense fragrance is in spring (March–May). That’s also when they’re at their most affordable.
Freesias in a vase — care tips
How to make freesias last longer
Trim the stems at an angle. Use clean, cool water with flower food. Change the water every 2–3 days. Keep them in a cool spot (max. 20°C) — in warm rooms, the flowers open too quickly and the fragrance fades fast.
Tip: Buy freesias in bud — the flowers open one after another from bottom to top. That way, you’ll enjoy fresh blooms and fragrance for days. Regularly remove the faded flowers at the bottom.
How long do freesias last?
7–12 days with proper care. Closer to 12 if bought in bud, closer to 7 if already open. The fragrance is most intense in the first few days.
Fragrance tip: If you want to enjoy the scent of freesias throughout the room, place the vase in a medium-sized room (not too large). In a small bedroom, the fragrance may be too intense at night — in that case, it’s better to keep them in the living room.
Freesias in a bouquet
Freesias are wonderful in mixed bouquets — they add fragrance and soft color without overpowering the arrangement. Especially beautiful with roses, baby's breath, ranunculus, or eucalyptus. They also look stunning as a solo bouquet (10–15 stems in one color).
Freesias at MoBlumen Vienna
Fragrant freesias in a bouquet or as a colorful surprise — delivery in Vienna.
Frequently asked questions about freesias
White and yellow freesias have the strongest fragrance. Red and blue varieties were bred for color — and often lost their scent in the process. Ask your florist for fragrant varieties.
Freesias are considered non-toxic, making them a safe choice for households with children and pets.
Fresh flowers at MoBlumen Vienna
Freesias, roses, bouquets and more — hand-tied and delivered fast.
