Flower Library
Tuberose
Agave amica (Syn. Polianthes tuberosa) · Spargelgewächse (Asparagaceae)
The tuberose is one of the most intensely fragrant flowers there is: a single stem perfumes an entire room with its heavy, honey-sweet evening scent. Its waxy, pure-white blooms open gradually along the stem, giving pleasure over many days. Anyone who has had it in a bouquet never forgets it.
- Season
- June – July – August – September – October
- Vase life
- 8–14 days
- Latin name
- Agave amica (Syn. Polianthes tuberosa)
- Colors
- Pure white, Cream white, soft pink (bud)
Botanically the tuberose is a real surprise: long listed as Polianthes tuberosa, recent genetic research places it within the genus Agave, so its correct name today is Agave amica, classified in the asparagus family. From a tuber it sends up a flower spike up to one metre tall, densely set with long-tubed, star-shaped blooms.
In the cut-flower trade two main types are distinguished: the single-flowered form with elegant, slender individual blooms, and the double-flowered cultivar The Pearl, whose flowers resemble small white rosettes. The single varieties look airier in a bouquet and often release the scent even more intensely, while The Pearl appears fuller and more romantic. Both are popular for weddings and festive occasions.
In floristry we value the tuberose as a tall, upright accent that gives a bouquet structure and height. Its fragrance is so dominant that it is used sparingly and deliberately: often one or two stems are enough to define an entire arrangement. Because the blooms open successively from bottom to top, spent individual flowers at the base can be picked off without the stem losing its effect.
Stylistically the tuberose works beautifully in elegant, summery bridal bouquets and in scent-focused table arrangements for the evening. It pairs nobly with roses, lisianthus, gardenias or jasmine, but also harmonises minimalistically with plenty of greenery. It usually comes in fresh from June into October, when the season is at its peak.
Care
- 01Cut stems at an angle with a sharp, clean knife and place them immediately in lukewarm, fresh water.
- 02Keep vase and water clean and change the water every two days, re-cutting the stem each time.
- 03Display in a cool spot out of direct sun; avoid draughts and proximity to ripening fruit (ethylene).
- 04Regularly pick off spent individual flowers at the base so the upper buds keep opening.
- 05Because of its very intense scent, avoid placing it in bedrooms or very small, poorly ventilated rooms.
- 06Buy only stems in bud to half-open; the tuberose then lasts especially long and unfolds its full succession of blooms.
Frequently asked
- How long does a tuberose last in the vase?
- With fresh stems and regular water changes, the tuberose usually lasts eight to fourteen days. Because the blooms open one after another from bottom to top, you have fresh flowers and fragrance on the stem the whole time.
- Is the tuberose toxic to cats, dogs or children?
- The tuberose contains saponins and is considered mildly toxic: eating parts of the plant can cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhoea or drooling in pets and children. It is usually not life-threatening, but to be safe it should be kept out of reach of animals and small children.
- When is the tuberose in season?
- As a cut flower the tuberose is available in best quality mainly in summer and early autumn, roughly from June to October. During this time it regularly comes in fresh with us.
- Why does the tuberose smell so strong?
- The tuberose produces an unusually large amount of fragrance compounds, which it releases mainly in the evening and at night to attract nocturnal pollinators. This very heavy, honey-sweet scent also makes it one of the most important flowers in perfume production.