The freesias are in bloom! Freesias boast fragrant funnel-shaped flowers and are available in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, orange, pink, red, lavender, purple, and even dual colors. A perennial flowering plant, freesias are a member of the Iridaceae family. All fourteen species of freesia originated in Africa.

Freesias grow from a corm that should be planted two inches deep in the fall in USDA zones 9 to 10. They're hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Needing full or partial sun, they should be planted in soil with adequate drainage. They require regular watering during their growing and blooming season.

The plants grow sword shaped green leaves. Besides being very fragrant and colorful, what's interesting about freesias is that six to eight flowers grow along just one side of a stem. The stem will bend so that the flowers face upward. Freesia flowers are said to be symbolic of innocence.