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Tuberose: Polianthes tuberosa

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Tuberose: Polianthes tuberosa

In summer, wildly fragrant, waxy, white tuberose flowers bloom 6?24 inches above a 1-foot-tall rosette of foliage. The perfumed blooms are excellent as cut flowers in midseason arrangements. Though grown as an annual in most of the country, it is a perennial in Zones 8?10.

Profile

Plant typetender-perennial,bulb
Hardiness zones8 to 10
Lightfull-sun
Height2 ft.6 in. to 3 ft.
Spread2 ft.6 in. to 2 ft.
Habitclump-forming
Bloom timefall,summer
Flower colorwhite
Bloom size2.5 in. to 2.5 in.
Foliage colormedium-green

did you know?

The tuberose has been cultivated as a cut flower since pre-Columbian times in Mexico, its native habitat. The genus name comes from the Greek meaning "white," and meaning "flower"—a reference to its attractive, white flowers.

general maintenance:

Remove faded leaves through the season to maintain a tidy appearance. Allow soil to dry and leaves to fade after flowering. After leaves yellow, cut off foliage. In areas cooler than Zone 8, dig bulbs, and store as you would dahlias, in boxes of dry soil, sand, and peat in a frost-free location.

how to sow/plant:

Plant in spring once night temperatures reach 50°F. Set bulbs 3 inches deep, 4?6 inches apart for cut flowers, 8?10 inches apart in the border. Begin watering once new growth emerges in spring. Mulch lightly to conserve moisture.

water and fertilize:

Monitor soil moisture all season, watering as needed. Feed biweekly with a balanced, soluble fertilizer, following package directions. After flowering, stop feeding, and reduce amount of watering.

features:

  • Attractive Flowers
  • Attractive Foliage
  • Disease Resistant
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Fragrant

garden uses:

  • Containers
  • Edging

other uses:

  • Cut Flower

combine with:

gladiolus, dahlias, zinnias, and other cutting flowers.

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