Contents
Description
Freesia Kewensis White is a stunning flowering plant that belongs to the Iridaceae family. It is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to 40 cm in height and produces beautiful, fragrant flowers that bloom in the spring. The flowers are white with a yellow throat and have a delicate, sweet scent that makes them a popular choice for cut flowers and bouquets.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Monocots |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Genus | Freesia |
Appearance
Freesia Kewensis White has long, narrow leaves that grow up to 30 cm in length. The flowers grow on a spike that can produce up to 20 blooms per stem. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and have six petals that curl back at the tips, giving them a delicate, elegant appearance. The flowers also have a yellow throat and a sweet, citrusy scent that is particularly strong in the evening.
Care Guide
Freesia Kewensis White is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require some attention to thrive. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Freesia Kewensis White prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly, especially during the growing season. However, be careful not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Feed your Freesia Kewensis White plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can also add some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: Freesia Kewensis White prefers full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, it may benefit from some afternoon shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Freesia Kewensis White is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Freesia Kewensis White is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by a few common issues:
- Thrips: These tiny insects can damage the flowers and leaves of your plant. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Bulb rot: This can occur if the soil is too wet or if the bulb is damaged. Make sure to plant your bulbs in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
- Fusarium wilt: This fungal disease can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Remove affected plants and avoid planting in the same spot for several years.
Habitat
Freesia Kewensis White is native to South Africa, where it grows in rocky, well-draining soil in grasslands and savannas. It prefers a warm, sunny climate and can tolerate periods of drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Freesia Kewensis White be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Freesia Kewensis White can be grown indoors as long as it receives plenty of sunlight and is planted in well-draining soil.
Q: When is the best time to plant Freesia Kewensis White?
A: The best time to plant Freesia Kewensis White is in the fall, about 4-6 weeks before the first frost. This will allow the bulbs to establish roots before winter.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Freesia Kewensis White plant?
A: You should fertilize your Freesia Kewensis White plant every two weeks during the growing season.
Q: Can Freesia Kewensis White be grown from seed?
A: Yes, Freesia Kewensis White can be grown from seed, but it is easier to grow from bulbs.
Related Plants
- Freesia alba
- Freesia caryophyllacea
- Freesia fergusoniae
- Freesia grandiflora
- Freesia laxa
References
- “Freesia Kewensis.” Pacific Bulb Society, 2021, www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/FreesiaKewensis.
- “Freesia.” Royal Horticultural Society, 2021, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/search-results?query=freesia.
- “Freesia Kewensis White.” Gardenia, 2021, www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/freesia-kewensis-white.
