Tuberose flowers photos.

 The tuberose flower belongs to the genus polianthes, and is a member of the agave – or agavaceae – family. This blossom – which is thought to be indigenous to areas of Mexico – is night blooming, but grows its best in sunny, warm locations. In appearance, these flowers are quite large and elegant. 

 They begin to bloom at the bottom of 2 to 3 foot spikes, and burst forth at the top with large, white blossoms that bear thick, waxy petals. They develop in clusters that are sparsely surrounded by grassy green foliage.

Tuberose is a member of the Agavaceae (Agaves) family of plants. It’s scientific name is Polianthes Tuberosa. It is a Mexican native and is mostly grown in the southern hemisphere but can do nicely in the north if planted in a protected sunny location. They are slow growers and you will need to have patience while waiting for them to pop out of the ground but these tropical beauties are well worth your time.

 The tuberose flower, with its lovely appearance and fragrant aroma, has become the center of a good deal of storytelling and ritual. Its many uses in India can best be used to highlight the importance of this particular plant. In Bengali this flower is referred to as Rojoni-Gondha – or night blossom – while the Hindu name for tuberose is Rajni gandha – or night fragrance. Throughout many regions of India, the plant is prized for its sensual scent, and so it has become one of the more frequently used blossoms for wedding ceremonies – generally as garlands and decorations.

 However, they are also used for funerals and a number of religious functions. The tuberose flower has also become an important part of Ayurvedic medicine, as the attars made from this blossom are said to promote relaxation, relieve emotional blocks, as well as treat both impotence and frigidity. Its myth goes beyond India, however. In France, young women have long been told to avoid the tuberose flower after nightfall, as – when it begins to bloom – the smell can become potent and heady, and may incite amorous feelings that can get a good young lady into trouble. Despite this flower’s seductive reputation, it was at one time considered something of a bad omen. In Victorian England, these flowers were frequently used at grave sites, and because of this, many people thought that both their appearance and their scent were a sign of impending doom. 

 For instance, it was said that their smell could kill you if you sat in a closed room with even a single tuberose blossom – as their perfume was considered the actual aroma of death. In modern times, though, many people have come to adore the smell of tuberoses, and they have since become one of the most prominent floral notes around.

Because of its lurid reputation, the tuberose flower is a symbol of both dangerous and forbidden pleasures. However, they are also said to represent voluptuousness and simple sensuality. As a gift, this blooms are most commonly given to express the giver’s passion for the recipient, and are sometimes presented in bouquets or as a single, meaningful cut flower. The tuberose is noted not only for its beauty but for its delightful fragrance as well. It has been commonly used in the perfume making industry for hundreds of years.

Tuberose flowers grow on spiking stems that stalk up to three feet high. The beautiful, white, ten-inch tubular shaped flowers grow between sword-shaped leaves. There are both single and double flowering varieties to choose from.

Plant tuberose bulbs in spring after all danger of frost is gone from your area. These flowering bulbs like high temperatures and cannot be left in the ground, year-round, if you live in zones 8 and above. Plant tuberose bulbs in a spot where they will receive a full day of sun. Tuberose prefers to be kept on the dry side and needs rich well-drained, somewhat sandy, soil. They won’t do well if their feet are stuck in the mud all day. Before planting, watch your chosen location for any puddling after heavy rainfall. Tuberose bulbs need to be planted at a depth where they will have two inches of soil above their heads and spaced approximately eight to ten inches apart. Water thoroughly after planting and then at regular intervals if natural rainfall doesn't occur weekly. Tuberose is a big eater and needs plenty of 8-8-8 fertilizer during the growing season to do well. Your tuberose flowers will bloom in mid to late summer. Tuberose make lovely, scented, cut flowers for use in bouquets and vases. Cutting the flowers will not damage your plants as long as you use a sharp pair of shears during their removal. After the bloom is gone from your tuberose plants, leave the foliage intact until it dies back naturally and continue watering as usual. The foliage provides nutrition for the bulbs and if cut back, your bulb will not flower next year.

Once the leaves of your tuberose plant have turned yellow, it is safe to cut them back. After the first light frost of the season, (in zones 8 and above) carefully dig up your tuberose bulbs to remove them. Let them air dry for about a week before packing them away in a cool dry place for winter storage. A paper bag filled with peat moss makes an appropriate bed for overwintering your bulbs. Tuberose bulbs also do well when planted in pots and containers. They can be used as accents in mixed beds, planted en mass or used for borders in your garden.