Consulta Plantas

Care of the tuberous plant Freesia fucata or Painted Kammetjie

The genus Freesia, family Iridaceae, includes 15 species and numerous cultivars of corm plants native to South Africa. Some species are: Freesia fucata, Freesia caryophyllacea, Freesia x hybrida, Freesia alba, Freesia laxa, Freesia grandiflora, Freesia refracta.

Common name: Painted Kammetjie.

They are herbaceous plants with corms that reach 30 cm (11.8") in height. The erect, linear leaves are bluish-green in color. The attractive flowers are white, purple, yellow and red in color and give off a pleasant perfume. They bloom from mid-spring to early summer. The plant is toxic if swallowed.

Painted Kammetjie is used in borders, in rockeries, in pots for terraces, balconies and patios and as cut flowers.

Freesia fucata grows in full sun and light shade exposures. Frost resistant to -10 ºC (14 ºF).

The soil can be a normal well-drained garden soil with coarse sand. The planting of the corms is done in autumn.

Water regularly so that the substrate does not dry out completely. In summer do not water until the leaves dry. Corms can be removed until planting time.

Freesia fucata does not need fertilizer or pruning.

Painted Kammetjie is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess watering.

Freesia fucata is propagated from seeds sown in autumn and by division of corms also in autumn.

Images of the tuberous plant Freesia fucata or Painted Kammetjie