Polianthes
Polianthes
Size 10/12 cm
P. tuberosa
"Tuberose"
Famous for fragrance and popular cut-flower since the 16th century, tuberoses are still widely used in the florist trade. Native only to Mexico, the tuberous bulb-like plant sends up a 24" stem carrying up to 30 fragrant white flowers. The flowers are waxy, often 2" to 3" in diameter, and carried in pairs. Slender iris-like foliage sheaths the flower spikes before blooming. For earlier flowering start indoors and plant out when danger of frost is past. In colder areas dig bulbs and store over winter in a frost-free location. Once bulbs have flowered they split and sometimes will require another season of growth before they will flower again.
Ht: 18"-36"
Bl: Summer, Zones: 8 to 10, S, 18/sq. yd.
In colder zones bulbs should be dug up and stored over winter before first frost.
