The History of Freesia

Freesia is native to South Africa and was introduced to England in the early 19th century. Reportedly, the flowers were named in honor of Friedrich Freese, a German doctor and botanist. The blooms became increasingly popular in Victorian England, in part due to their pleasant scent and elegant, trumpet-like shape. Several new varieties were cultivated, and the flowers are now available in a variety of shades, including pink, mauve, purple, yellow, and orange, although white and cream remain the most popular. Over time, freesias became especially popular in bridal bouquets and other formal flower arrangements. Today, they still regularly appear in gardens, bouquets, and other floral arrangements in the United States and many other parts of the world.