Photo of Freesia leichtlinii flower, foliage by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Freesia leichtlinii

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 6"-8"
  • W: 6"-12"

planting zones

  • 9a-11

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Freesia leichtlinii plant details

Freesia leichtlinii is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring purple and yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - bright shade and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry when dormant. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Freesia leichtlinii

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: iridaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 IN - 12 IN - wide, 6 IN - 8 IN - tall
Flowers: purple and yellow blooms in spring
Uses: cutting garden, fragrant, summer dormant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Freesia leichtlinii

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The original & most fragrant Freesia species (endemic to South Africa) from which the breeding of Freesias first began. Later breeding caused much of the fragrance of the wild species to be lost. Freesia leichtleinii is an attractive, vigorous, flowering bulb, with wonderfully strong-scented, pale yellow 1” flowers & bright yellow markings on the three lower petals. Blooming in March, the reverse side of the petals are lightly flushed with purple. Freesias love our costal climate. Deciduous during our dry Summers. Needs water only during growth and flowering. To 8” tall & spreading in width over time.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Freesia leichtlinii plant

How to Grow Freesia leichtlinii

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - bright shade
  • Water Needs

    • low - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry when dormant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
    • purple
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Freesia for your garden

aka Freesia 'Alba', White Freesia

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 8"-12"

Width: 6"

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture
Photo of Freesia alba flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 12"-18"

Width: 9"-12"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Freesia caryophyllacea flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 8"

Width: 12"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Freesia fucata flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 12"

Width: 6"

  • sun - bright shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Freesia species flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

aka Anomatheca laxa 'Joan Evans'

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

7a-11

Size

Height: 6"-8"

Width: 4"-15"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry when dormant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Freesia laxa 'Joan Evans' flower by Far Reaches Farm
View Plant

More Options

+21 more Freesia
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