For fragrance and flowers in the garden you could look at a plant we commonly call Tuberose. The botanical name is Polianthes tuberosa, and they are commonly known simply by the common name of Tuberose. Popular as they are easy to grow, and do have great fragrance. The bulbs multiply readily and are very easy to divide.
Introduction
Tuberose are a popular fragrant flowering bulb with fragrant white waxy flowers. Used initially in the perfume industry and now widely in the cut flower industry. The long lasting fragrance is a real attraction, even in the cut flower industry. Lovely white flowers around 2 – 3 cm long are often used in floral arrangements.
These are a warm climate bulb originally from Mexico and is a highly fragrant plant with masses of waxy white flowers on tall stems. Excellent as a cut flower and used for making perfume as well, yes it is that fragrant. These have been used in cultivation since the 1600s when they were first grown in the UK in Greenhouses, a real status symbol back in the day.
Polianthes tuberosa Care
A sunny position is essential either in a container or in the garden. They flower late in summer so colder climates can be a problem. Tall growing to around .7m if you can grow them, and like perfumed plants, then this one for you.
Plant in spring and cover with around 4 – 5 cm of soil, water with a liquid seaweed fertilizer every week and try not to let dry out to much. Lift bulbs every 4 years and divide to promote better growth and increase the size of the clump. A little mulch in winter does wonders, so does good drainage.
Polianthes geminiflora is a separate species often difficult to find.
Growing conditions
Tuberose plants grow from a rhizome, they will reach nearly 1m in full flower. Plant bulbs or rhizomes in late winter for summer and spring flowering. A humus rich but well drained soil in a sunny is essential. In colder climates these bulbs are lifted over winter, not sure this is needed in most areas of Australia
Best grown in warmer climates, they will grow well in cooler areas as long as they are well protected from frosts.
- Use a good quality potting mix or a soil with extra compost dug through.
- Choose a sunny position.
- Plant the bulbs at around 5 cm deep and 20 cm apart. In containers try them at 10 cm apart if you repot every 2 years.
- Water in well after planting and then hold back on water until new growth appears.
- Flowering period is from spring to summer.
- Dig and divide bulbs in early winter, you can replant immediately.
Tuberose bulbs flower and then form offsets, it is the offsets that you will digging and dividing.
Tuberose bulbs are available for sale form the following participating nurseries
442 Russells Road, Pine Mountain Ipswich QLD 4306 - phone: 07 54643976
Pine Mountain Nursery is a mail order plant nursery and also specialises in breeding elite agapanthus, clivia and other warm climate bulbs.
www.pinemountainnursery.com.au
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
2 Jacksons Hill Rd, Menzies Creek VIC 3159
Hundreds of different varieties of daffodils as well as other beautiful spring & autumn flowering bulbs for home gardeners. Free colour catalogues available. Tulips, Daffodils,Alliums, Freesias, Iris and many other bulbs.
www.daffodilbulbs.com.au