Information about False Freesia

INFORMATION ABOUT FALSE FREESIA...

By: Nikki Phipps

Call it what you will, be it False Freesia, Pink bermudiana, or Painted Petals, this interesting little plant makes quite an impact wherever it is grown.

Its name has been a source of confusion to many as it seems to be called a variety of things. Until recently, its genus name was known as Lapeirousia cruenta, and may still be found listed as this in some areas; however, most people have come to know it as Anomatheca laxa today. Nonetheless, it’s a beautiful and hardy South African bulb (actually corm) that is fairly easy to please.

Being one of the hardiest species of its genus, Anomatheca (meaning irregular), these charming corms are easy to grow, producing a small clump of green grass-like foliage topped with unusual, yet brilliant, sprays of two-tone pinkish-red flowers.

Another variety of this plant is called ‘Joan Evans’, which produces spikes of white flowers with red spots on the lower petals. The term ‘painted petals’ may have been due to interesting color patterns of these amazing little flowers. They also look somewhat like a small freesia, as common name implies, but the blooms open flat. Blooming generally takes place in early summer.

The corms are small, with a flattened base and a hard fiber cover. Plant the corms in the fall about 2 inches deep in well-drained, sandy soil.

False freesia can be located in either full sun or partial shade. False freesia is drought-tolerant, even in brutally hot climates, making it an ideal choice for rock gardens where the flowers can put on quite a show and naturalize.

False freesia will also make an excellent container plant and can be grown indoors as well. In colder climates, False Freesia needs to be brought in and stored for the winter. In warm climates, a clump will usually go dormant in dry summers, but returns from dormant corms in late winter.

Once established, false freesia creates a small blooming colony with little or no work involved. False freesia will usually grow to about 6 or 8 inches tall. They do not like to be disturbed and propagation is usually achieved quite easily through seeds. After blooming and once the seeds have matured, the foliage disappears. Allow seedheads to dry on the plants, then remove and collect the seeds. Seedlings will usually bloom the first year provided it’s planted early enough.