Guide to growing Tuberose - Polianthes
Polianthes are a genus of half hardy perennials that reach from between 20cm and 1.2M in height.
Although they are perennials many people like to grow them as annuals in the garden for best results.
They bloom from late on in the summer until autumn, when Polianthes carry white fragrant tubular flowers.
A common name for Polianthes is Tuberose.
Tuberose by Faeparson; creative commons.
Polianthes tuberosa by Flowerfreak; creative commons.
Quick Polianthes Growing Guide and Facts
Common Names: Tuberose, Scent of the Night, King of Fragrance, Spice Lily.
Life Cycle: Half hardy perennial commonly grown as a half hardy annual by gardeners.
Height: 18 to 36 inches (45 to 90 cm).
Native: Americas, Asia.
Growing Region: Zones 6 to 10. As a perennial in zones 9 and 10.
Flowers: The end of summer and autumn.
Flower Details: Grey, white. Fragrant. Waxy. Tubular. Lily-like.
Foliage: Long lily-like leaves. Strap/Sword-like clasped leaves.
Sow Outside: Bury tubers 3 inches (8 cm) deep. Mid -spring: temperature should not drop below 60°F (16°C). Spacing 7 to 8 inches (18 to 20 cm).
Requirements: Full sunlight. Soil pH 6 to 7. Soils rich in humus. Provide support. Regular watering and fortnightly feeds from spring until the end of the growing season in summer. Bring tubers indoors in for the winter in cool areas. Propagate: tubers can be divided in the spring.
Miscellaneous: The latin word Polianthes has the meaning Grey flower. Plants from this genus are often used in perfumery.
How to grow Tuberose
It is best to grow tuberose from tubers. These should be buried at about 8cm in mid to late spring. The Tuberose tubers should be spaced at about 15 to 20cm apart in a sunny area of the garden. Idealistically Tuberose should grow in a soil rich in humus and of pH 6 to 7.5.
Caring for tuberose and other Polianthes species
If you require more Tuberose plants then they can be propagated by dividing their tubers in the spring time. Members of Polianthes are easy to care for; they should be watered frequently and fed with liquid fertiliser every couple of weeks.