A new Freesia opened today; a cross between Freesia laxa (blue form) and Freesia 'Naticoke'. Freesia 'Naticoke' is probably Freesia laxa seed parent and Freesia grandiflora as pollen donor. The new cross is therefore a backcross of the interspecific based on Freesia laxa.

Seed parent of the new cross, (which I am calling 'Plum Scrumptious') is Freesia 'Naticoke' with Freesia laxa (blue form) as pollen donor.

Essentially a white background shading a lilac pink at the tips, with plum coloured and shaped markings in the centre. Therefore a nice break and quite different from anything else in the group.

I've already backcrossed it again with laxa (blue), but in the next few days I may be able to cross it with 'Sunset Boulevard', 'Star of David' and 'Pink Giant' as these are quite close behind.

Corm size of the new hybrid is large and like grandiflora so flowering from seed is longer, hence the reason for backcrossing with laxa again. Flower size is also down to that of laxa, compared with 'Naticoke' but never the less it is probably the break I've been waiting for. Once crossed with the other hybrids the chances are that the range of colur will be very good, especially as it's shading to the tips as well.

Dave Fenwick (May 11, 2000)
Plymouth, UK