Polianthes tuberosa
( pol - ee - ANTH - eez )
At-A-Glance InformationThese beautiful, fragrant flowering perennial plants commonly called Tuberose grow from rhizomes and are prized for their powerful smell. They are native to Mexico, and each plant produces a foliage clump of grassy leaves that reaches about a foot and a half in height. In summer or early fall, flower spikes up to 3.5 feet tall (the height of flowering stems depends on the variety) produce loose whorls of tubular white flowers. These plants grow best in zones 7-9, 14-24, H1 and H2 (To find your zone, click here: Zone Map). Common varieties include 'Mexican Single' (to 3.5 feet tall, the tallest variety of Tuberose widely sold) and 'The Pearl' (2.5 foot tall plant with double flowers). Varieties with single flowers will last longer in fresh arrangements than those with double flowers.
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Caring for Polianthes Tuberosa
These plants can bloom year after year, but will need a long warm season (4 months or more) before they set flowers. To encourage blooms in areas that do not receive this long season of warmth, start rhizomes indoors before setting them outside once temperatures rise in springtime. Set them 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart for best coverage and performance. Stop providing water when foliage begins to yellow in fall. Then, dig up the plants, cut off the dead foliage and let rhizomes dry out in a cool, dry, dark area for about 2 weeks. Store in a cool, dark dry place until they are ready to be planted the next spring. These plants can also be grown in containers for ease of care and relocation during cooler months.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 522, Polianthes tuberosa
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