All about Tuberose – History, Meaning, Facts, Care & More

Tuberose is a popular cut flower in different parts of the world, including United States of America, china, France, and India. The blooms usually open during nighttime, giving that delicious fragrance and wonderful color of white. In fact, it is recognized to have a covetable scent incomparable all throughout the world

The tubular flowers of Tuberose are mostly snowy white in color. It is native to Mexico but can be found in every part of the world, too. Its flowers are common in many flower arrangements and bouquets ideal for weddings, garlands, funerals, and altars.

The tube-like blooms come in long and narrow sprouts turning to spikes that usually reach up to 45 centimeters. The rich and sultry flowers bloom at night and become very noticeable because of the distinct sweet fragrance. The scent will soon fade out when flowers are cut from its plant. However, the beauty and elegance of the bloom remain noticeable.

The snowy white flowers of tuberose have been used in the perfume manufacturing industry. Among the popular varieties of Tuberose include the Mexican Everblooming, which is a type with single flower, and the Pearl, which is a type with double flower.

• History of Tuberose

Tuberose is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asparagaceae family and Agavoideae subfamily. Originating from Mexico, this flowering plant has a botanical name of Agave amica. Its common name, Tuberose, was derived from the Latin word “tuberosa” and French word “tubereuse” which both means swollen.

The flower of Tuberose was first described in 1753 as Polianthes tuberosa by Carl Linnaeus, while in 1753 it was described as Tuberosa amica by Friedrich Kasimir.  At the present time, these descriptions are considered one and the same species. The name Agave amica was published by Joachim Thiede and Rafael Govaerts in 2017 after several attempts.

In the 17th Century, the flowers of Tuberose were widely used and distilled for use and manufacture of perfumery. It was French Queen Marie Antoinette who first recognized the scent and used it by the name Sillage de la Reine and Parfum de Trianon. The scent was a combination of Tuberose, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Cedar, Iris, and Orange bloom.

• Tuberose Meaning

Tuberose is a flower symbolic of wild pleasures or primordial passion. This is because of its seductive fragrance. In addition, this flower is also given to refer to a passionate affair or love for adventure. For the Victorians, this flower was a symbol of voluptuousness and love. Ideally useful for bouquets, especially for weddings, the sophisticated bloom and distinct scent of this flower create such an impressive and one-of-a-kind design.

• Facts About Tuberose

As a member of the Agave genus, this plant is related and synonymous to the Medik or Tuberosa amica, Polianthes tuberosa, angustifolium, Polianthes gracilis, agave tuberosa, and agave polianthes.

Tuberose grows its roots underground in tuberous or tuber roots. They have leaves in dull green color with 1-1.5 feet length and 0.5 inches wide base. This plant is slightly succulent and its spikes reach out up to 3 feet high. The pure white flowers are waxy and in tubular shape with a length of 2.5 inches. The six stamens of the flowers are inserted in the tube. The flower also has a three-part stigma feature.

Tuberose has been a popular choice for many purposes. For 400 years and more, it had been the flower used to create various scents for perfume. The extracts from the flower are combined with other oils and scents. Manufacturers of perfumes use this scent as a stand-alone scent and as an addition to other mixtures. This was one of the reasons why the plant is widely grown in different parts of the world. Cultivation of the tuberose is also widened because of the qualities and scents it possesses. The Pearl Tuberose is one of the cultivars. It has double flowers with broader and darker leaves but shorter spikes.

In India and Bangladesh, Tuberose blooms were collected to make garlands for the wedding events and to offer to their gods. In Indonesia, the flowers are used for local and exotic dishes. Louis XIV of France loved this flower that had Tuberose planted along the flower beds of Grand Trianon located at Versailles.

• How to Care for Tuberose

Tuberose can be a great addition to your garden plants. They are easy to grow outdoors in places where the temperature is relatively high. In cold places, this plant can survive the low temperature when kept in pots and containers indoors.

To plant from seeds, it should be done during warm weather or 4 months of warm temperature. For indoor pot planting, it can be started in the early spring and then, move the pot outdoors at late springtime.

The soil for the outdoor beds is well-drained and rich in organic materials to make sure that the plant will grow and develop. You can add peat moss or compost before planting the seeds. If the soil is waterlogged, it is best to scout for another location.

Tuberose also needs full sunlight, but if it gets too hot and sunny, providing shade for the plant will prevent it from wilting. Watering the plant generously is also helpful, especially when the soil is too dry. Adding fertilizers may be helpful but tuberose is a type of plant that is hard to feed. According to top florists and gardeners,  8-8-8 mixture is the ideal balance for this plant.

During blooming stage, it is beneficial to the plant to cut several flower stems. This will make the plant more productive throughout the period and in the next blooming season. The freshly cut fragrant and snowy white flowers are perfect for a beautiful bouquet.