Tuberose Polianthes tuberosa 'The Pearl' (d)
ABOUT
Polianthes tuberosa 'The Pearl', commonly known as double tuberose or 'The Pearl' tuberose, is an ornamental plant known for its highly fragrant, showy flowers. This plant produces a clump of long, narrow, bright green leaves that gracefully arch outwards from the base, creating an attractive, dense tuft of foliage. The most striking feature is its blooms, which are typically larger and more densely packed than those of the single variety. The flowers are waxy, creamy-white, and double-petaled, meaning there are additional layers of petals which give the blossoms a more opulent appearance. These ravishing blooms are arranged in elongated clusters along a tall, slender stem that rises above the foliage, displaying the flowers prominently. The enchanting fragrance of the double tuberose is intense and sweet, making it a popular choice for perfumes and scented gardens. Blossoming typically occurs in the late summer and can continue into the fall, offering a prolonged display of its delightful flowers. The visual impact of double tuberose is often romantic and can be quite stunning when planted in groups, where the mass of creamy-white blossoms stands out against the greenery, creating an alluring and sophisticated display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Agavaceae.
Synonyms
Tuberose, Double Tuberose, The Pearl Tuberose, Mexican Tuberose, Rajanigandha, Nardo, Scented Nightingale.
Common names
Polianthes tuberosa 'The Pearl'.
ToxicityTo humans
Tuberose is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, like with any plant, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation upon handling or inhaling its scent. Ingesting significant amounts of tuberose is not advisable, but it is not commonly associated with severe symptoms of poisoning.
To pets
Tuberose is not widely recognized as toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Nonetheless, it is still possible for pets to experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of the plant. Therefore, although severe toxicity is unlikely, it is always prudent to discourage pets from eating ornamental plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant is known for its stunning white double flowers which add beauty to any garden or landscape.
- Fragrance: Tuberoses are highly valued for their strong, sweet fragrance, making them popular in perfumes and scented products.
- Cut Flowers: The long-lasting blooms are ideal for cut flower arrangements, adding fragrance and elegance to indoor settings.
- Easy Propagation: Bulbs can be easily divided to propagate new plants, making it cost-effective for gardeners to expand their collection.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees, which are essential for the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Long Blooming Period: Tuberoses have a lengthy flowering period, which ensures prolonged enjoyment of their beauty and scent.
- Cultural Significance: In many cultures, tuberose flowers are used in wedding ceremonies and religious events, adding to their cultural value.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, tuberoses are relatively drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering and making them suitable for xeriscaping.
- Evening Bloomer: The plant's flowers often open in the late afternoon or evening, making it an excellent choice for night gardens.
- Heat Tolerance: Tuberose plants can survive in hot climates, making them versatile for various gardening zones.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The flowers of tuberose can be used to produce a light yellow to green dye for textiles.
- Traditional ceremonies: In some cultures, tuberose flowers are used for garlands and decorations during weddings and religious festivities.
- As a flavoring agent: The intense fragrance of tuberose is sometimes used to flavor certain traditional sweets and desserts in some parts of the world.
- In perfumed candles and soaps: The essential oils extracted from tuberose are used in the fragrance industry and are often a component of scented candles and luxury soap bars.
- In potpourri and sachets: Dried tuberose flowers can be added to potpourri mixes or sachets to impart a long-lasting fragrance to linens and clothing.
- As a floral motif: Tuberose flowers are a popular motif in art and textile design, often symbolizing purity and peace.
- Landscaping: Tuberose 'The Pearl' is often planted in garden beds or borders for its attractive blooms and strong fragrance, enhancing the sensory experience of the landscape.
- Companion planting: Tuberose can be planted with other flowers that have staggered blooming times to ensure continuous bloom in a garden setting.
- As a teaching tool: Horticulture programs may use tuberose to teach students about propagation techniques like bulb division.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried tuberose petals can be used as a biodegradable alternative to traditional paper confetti at events.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiTuberose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityTuberose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Sensuality: Tuberose, known for its intense and intoxicating fragrance, is often associated with sensuality and allure. Its heady scent has been used in perfumery for centuries, evoking feelings of desire and seduction.
- Purity: Tuberose's white blossoms represent innocence and purity. White flowers are commonly associated with these traits in many cultures.
- Peace: The serenity instilled by the tuberose's appearance and scent is often connected to peace. Its blooms can bring calmness to an environment, symbolizing tranquility and relaxation.
- Forbidden pleasures: Due to its seductive aroma, tuberose sometimes symbolizes dangerous or forbidden pleasures, reflecting the duality of its allure and the potential for overindulgence.
- Death: In some cultures, the strong scent of the tuberose is associated with mortality and the afterlife. It is sometimes used in funerals and cemeteries to honor those who have passed away.
WaterTuberose should be watered regularly, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. During the active growing season, water the plant once a week with about one to two gallons, depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant. If the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, it's time to water again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so providing proper drainage is crucial.
LightTuberose thrives in full sun where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for tuberose is an area with bright, unfiltered sunlight, such as a south-facing garden or a window. However, in extremely hot climates, they can benefit from light afternoon shade to protect them from the scorching midday sun.
TemperatureTuberose prefers warmer temperatures and does not tolerate frost. The ideal temperature range for growing tuberose is between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but the plant can survive in temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It's critical to protect tuberose from temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as cold conditions can damage or kill the plant.
PruningPrune tuberose after the flowers have faded and the foliage begins to yellow in the fall. Remove spent flower stalks and any damaged or diseased leaves to encourage healthy growth and improve air circulation. Pruning is typically done annually; however, if the plant is performing well and does not show signs of distress, extensive pruning may not be necessary. The best time for pruning is post-flowering when the plant is preparing for dormancy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Tuberose 'The Pearl', a well-draining soil mix is best, incorporating components like loam, sand, and peat to promote good drainage and aeration. The ideal soil pH for Tuberose is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. A blend of two parts loam, one part sand, and one part peat or compost works well for Tuberose.
RepottingThe Tuberose 'The Pearl' should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. They can be lifted and divided during repotting if necessary, which can help rejuvenate older plants and multiply your stock.
Humidity & MistingTuberose 'The Pearl' thrives best in moderate humidity levels around 40-60%. Avoid placing it in excessively dry or overly humid environments as both extremes can be detrimental to the plant's health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Tuberose 'The Pearl' in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Tuberose 'The Pearl' in full sun and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleTuberose 'The Pearl' begins its growth from a bulb-like structure called a tuber. After planting, the tuber sends up green shoots and slender, grass-like leaves in the spring. As the plant matures, usually by late summer, it develops a tall, erect stem bearing clusters of fragrant, double, creamy-white flowers. After flowering, the plant sets seed, but it is more commonly propagated through division of the tubers rather than from seed. Tuberose 'The Pearl' enters a dormancy phase in the fall where the foliage dies back with the first frost, and the tubers rest over the winter. Come next spring, the cycle resumes as the tubers again sprout new shoots, continuing their perennial growth pattern.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The optimal time for propagating Polianthes tuberosa, commonly known as Tuberose or specifically 'The Pearl', is during the late winter or early spring. The most popular method of propagation for Tuberose 'The Pearl' is through the division of tuberous bulbs. Gardeners typically dig up the clumps after the foliage has died back post the growing season. Then, they carefully separate the offsets, which are small bulbs that grow around the base of the mother plant, ensuring that each offset has at least one eye, or growth point. These offsets are then dried for a day or two to allow the cut surfaces to callus slightly, reducing the risk of rot. Next, they are planted about 2 to 3 inches deep and roughly 8 to 12 inches apart (converted to metric: planting depth of about 5 to 7.5 centimeters and spacing of about 20 to 30 centimeters apart) in well-drained soil and a sunny location. It's important to water them thoroughly after planting to encourage the bulbs to establish themselves. Once growth commences, they require regular watering throughout the growing season.
