This tuberous perennial has an erect habit and forms a small clump. It has narrow lanced-shaped mid-green leaves and the waxy white tube-shaped fragrant flowers appear in a spike above the foliage during summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Polianthes tuberosa is naturally found in Mexico North America. It prefers a moderately fertile well drained sandy to clay loam with reliable moisture in an open sunny position and is frost and drought tender.

Tuberose is grown for its clumping habit and fragrant flowers. It is planted in herbaceous garden borders or in pots and tubs. It is suitable for small or cottage gardens on the coast and in the lower mountains and establishes from division in one season. The older large tubers flower less and should be replaced with new offsets. ID 995

Polianthes(po-lee-ĂNTH-eez) tuberosa (tew-be-RÔ-sa)

Agavaceae (ah-gav-AY-see-ee)