Blue Freesia (Babiana stricta)

Babiana stricta, also called Blue Freesia or Baboon Flower, is a welcome addition to the late-spring garden. Its compact form and bright flowers create a colorful focal point or a cheerful border. Happy in both full and partial sun locations, they are not fussy about soil type but must have good drainage. Water moderately and keep soil evenly moist to establish. It’s commonly called Baboon Flower because in its native home of southern Africa, baboons love to make a meal of the corms. Bulbs are cold hardy in zones 8-10; in colder climates, bulbs can be planted as annuals, or dig the corms in late fall and store in a cool, dry, dark place to re-plant in spring.