the plants usually called "freesias" are derived from crosses made in the 19th century between "f. refracta" and "f. leichtlinii". numerous cultivars have been bred from these species and the pink- and yellow-flowered forms of "f. corymbosa". modern tetraploid cultivars have flowers ranging from white to yellow, pink, red and blue-mauve. they are mostly cultivated professionally in the netherlands by about 80 growers. freesias can be readily increased from seed. due to their specific and pleasing scent, they are often used in hand creams, shampoos, candles, etc., however, the flowers are mainly used in wedding bouquets.