Yellow freesia

Focal flower · Iridaceae

Freesia

Freesia hybrids

Sweetly scented, arching sprays associated in modern use with friendship and trust.

Colour: Yellow

Often given for friendship and joy.

Use in a bouquet All flowers
Peak season
Feb–May
Vase life
5–8 days
Birth month
—
Colours
5

What the freesia means

Freesias come from South Africa and were named for Friedrich Freese, a German physician and student of the botanist who described them. They became popular in Europe in the late 19th century, and their meanings are largely modern: they are often given for friendship, trust, and thoughtfulness, and white freesias are a wedding favorite for their clean, sweet fragrance. Freesia is also listed as a traditional seventh wedding anniversary flower. Its scent is widely used in perfumes and soaps as a light, fresh floral note.

Flower meanings come mostly from Victorian floriography, and they vary between books, eras, and cultures.

Often sent for

  • Birthday
  • Thank you
  • Anniversary
  • Just because

By colour

  • Yellow Often given for friendship and joy.
  • White Associated with innocence; a wedding favorite.
  • Pink Often given for thoughtfulness and care.
  • Lavender Associated with grace and trust.
  • Red Sometimes read as warm affection.

Keeping it fresh

Available year-round from greenhouses; outdoor freesias bloom in spring.

  1. 1 Buds open one after another along the stem; pinch off faded flowers so the upper buds can open.
  2. 2 Keep away from ripening fruit; freesias are sensitive to ethylene.
  3. 3 Choose stems with the first bud or two open for the longest display.
  4. 4 Recut stems and change the water every two days.

Pet safety

  • cats Not listed
  • dogs Not listed
  • horses Not listed

Not listed in the ASPCA plant database. If a pet eats any, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

“Not listed” means the ASPCA has no entry for this plant — not that it is safe. Keep it out of reach.

Source: ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants. If a pet eats any plant, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

Did you know

Freesia flowers all face upward in a single row along a stem that bends almost at a right angle.

Pairs well with

Make your own freesia bouquet

Pick a vase, add a card, and share the link — no delivery van, no wilting.

Open Flower Studio