Freesias are an easy fragrant plant to grow and one that naturalises happily in gardens (indeed they can spread along roadsides and the edge of bushland).

We pick handfuls from some that spring up each year along our road. Freesias originated in South Africa so adapt well to our climate and thrive in dry conditions. The corms are planted in late summer or early autumn in a sunny to partly shaded spot for flowers at the end of winter and into spring.

The most fragrant are the old-fashioned creamy white, but if you are after colour, grow the large-flowered hybrids.

To buy freesias or other plants for your garden head to Garden Express