Flower Maintenance
Freesias for a New Baby
New babies bring joy, exhaustion, and a lot of well-meaning visitors bearing flowers. Which is why the best “new baby flowers” aren't the biggest or the boldest — they're the ones that don't need thinking about.
Freesias are exactly that. Soft-scented (not overwhelming for a nursery), long-lasting (so new parents aren't dealing with dying flowers within a week), and quietly meaningful — freesias symbolise innocence and new beginnings in the traditional language of flowers.
Shop new baby freesia bouquets →
Why freesias suit a new baby
1. They last two to three weeks.
New parents don't need another thing to look after. A five-day bouquet is a five-day countdown to guilt-tripping the sender's arrangement into a bin. Freesias last two or three weeks with basic water changes — long enough to be enjoyed properly without becoming a chore.
2. Their scent is gentle.
Lilies overwhelm. Some roses have strong perfumed scents. Freesias sit somewhere lovely: sweet, honeyed, faintly citrus, and pleasantly present in a room without dominating it. Safe for nurseries where sensory overload is a real thing.
3. They're safe for babies and pets.
Unlike lilies (which are seriously toxic to cats and problematic if pollen is inhaled), freesias have no such warnings. Perfect for households with pets or older siblings.
4. Their meaning is right.
In the language of flowers, freesias symbolise innocence, purity, and new beginnings. White freesias in particular have long been associated with christenings and welcomes. A more considered gift than generic pink baby-shaped flowers.
5. They arrive gently.
Freesias arrive as long-stem bouquets rather than dramatic showpieces. Fits well in a household where “the new arrival” already fills the room.
The right colours for a new baby
Traditional pink and white for a baby girl
Soft pink freesias mixed with white are the traditional choice. Gentle, considered, and photographs beautifully — new parents will keep photos of the bouquet.
Blue is trickier
There's no true blue freesia. If you want a bouquet for a baby boy, our Yellow, Lilac & White mix is a lovely soft alternative — same softness, no need to force a colour that doesn't exist naturally.
Neutral for gender-neutral gifting
Our Mixed bouquet — white, cream, yellow, lilac, and red — works beautifully as a gender-neutral welcome. Cheerful without being pointed either way.
Yellow for congratulations
Yellow freesias signify friendship and joy — a natural choice if you're congratulating friends on their new arrival. Warm without any of the pink/blue baggage.
Our new baby freesia bouquets
Regular Mixed Freesias — 25 stems, £44.95
Our most popular choice for a new baby. Big enough to feel like a proper welcome, long-lasting enough to still be there three weeks in.
Light Pink Freesias
Our softest colour — traditional for a baby girl, gentle and photogenic.
White Freesias
Classic new-beginnings choice. Works for any gender, any household.
Letterbox Freesias — 10 stems, £24.95
Perfect for new parents who might miss a doorbell. Letterbox delivery means the bouquet arrives without requiring anyone to be in.
Large Mixed — 30 stems, £52.95
For close family — grandparents, siblings, close friends — where you want the bouquet to feel like a real occasion.
Add a finishing touch
Our new baby bouquets pair beautifully with:
- Cartwright & Butler chocolates — a treat for exhausted new parents
- Marc de Champagne truffles — for celebration once the visiting is over
- A congratulations card — beautifully printed, available in coastal-inspired designs
- A handwritten message — free with every bouquet, just add it at checkout
Perfect if you want to send something a bit more than just flowers.
Common questions
Are freesias safe for babies?
Yes. Freesias are non-toxic to humans and pets. Unlike lilies (which are dangerous to cats and can irritate airways when pollen is heavy), freesias are safe in any nursery or home.
Do freesias smell overwhelming for a baby's room?
No. Freesias are subtly scented — sweet and pleasant rather than strong. If a nursery has good ventilation, they're a lovely addition rather than an issue.
How long do freesias last?
Two to three weeks with basic care. We include our full care guide with every order.
Can I have flowers delivered to the hospital?
We recommend delivery to the family's home rather than a hospital — many maternity wards restrict flowers, and it's often more useful for the flowers to be waiting when the family gets home.
Can I choose the delivery date?
Yes. Pick the exact day at checkout. We deliver Monday to Sunday UK-wide. Next-day delivery is available if ordered before 4pm Monday to Friday. Weekend delivery is available at a premium slot.
What's the traditional flower for a new baby?
Traditionally, white flowers symbolise the innocence and purity associated with newborns. White freesias fit this beautifully, with the added advantage of lasting far longer than most white cut flowers.
Send new baby flowers
Long-stem freesias delivered on your chosen date, gentle scent, lasting two to three weeks. Perfect for busy new parents who deserve flowers that don't need looking after.
Shop new baby freesia bouquets →
Related: Longest lasting anniversary flowers · Freesia meaning and symbolism · How to care for freesias
Remove packaging
Carefully remove the flowers from all of the packaging, including the water pouch at the end of the stems (if any).
Trim the stems
Trim the bottom of the flower stems at a slant by approximately 3cm and place in a vase with fresh water and flower food (if provided).
Keep them cool
Do not place your flower display near radiators or in very warm rooms. Your flowers will look their best and last longer in a cooler temperature.
Maintenance
Change vase water and re-trim the stems every other day. Prune any leaves below the waterline.
Temperature
Make sure the water is at the right temperature. Most flowers keep best in room-temperature water. Bulb flowers keep best in cool water or even cold water. Whether you’re using either cold or lukewarm water, fill your vase so it’s three-quarters full and keep topping it off as the flowers absorb more liquid.
Vase Water
Cut flowers do best in slightly acidic water, ideally with a pH level between 3.5 and 5.0. Any leaves submerged underwater can rot and cause bacterial growth, so it's important to regularly check your flowers and remove any underwater leaves.
Run out of flower food?
Why not create your own!
All you need to create this DIY food plant recipe is 1 litre of water, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. That’s it! Add all your ingredients to the water and stir until combined. This will help your blooms last longer and use less chemicals to do so.
Shop by flower
Looking for something beautiful? Shop our range of different flower types.