Photo of Polianthes tuberosa flower by Old House Gardens

Photo by Old House Gardens

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Polianthes tuberosa

Also Known As

  • Polianthes tuberosa 'Mexican Single'
  • Polianthes tuberosa 'Single'
  • Mexican Single tuberose
  • Rajanigandha
  • Sedap Malam
  • Single Polianthes Tuberosa

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 18"-48"
  • W: 3"-6"

planting zones

  • 7a-10b

More Options

Polianthes tuberosa plant details

Polianthes tuberosa is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In fall, spring and summer white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Polianthes tuberosa

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: amaryllidaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 3 IN - 6 IN - wide, 18 IN - 48 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in fall, spring and summer
Uses: container plant, fragrant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Polianthes tuberosa

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Tuberoses (Polianthes tuberosa) are famous for their thick, delicious, intoxicating fragrance from spikes of ivory flowers. This is the single form. It is hardy to zone 7 with protection. Where not hardy, grow in a pot and store in a frost-free location in winter.
The heavenly fragrance of tuberoses is as big a pleasure in August as ice cream. Their simple white flowers are clustered on 3-4 foot stalks above short, daylily-like foliage. Most gardeners grow them in pots (always best in the North) or dig and store in fall (we'll send easy directions), but they're perennial in zones 8-11. We love them so much we named them our Spring 2004 Heirloom Bulb of the Year. Our big, fat, sure-to-bloom bulbs come from an Illinois family farm where they've been grown since the 1930s.
These Mexican natives are a wonderful addition to any summer garden. They grow best with warmth and heat. Winter hardy in zone 7+. Their fragrance is famous for perfumes. They make a wonderful, long lasting cut flower! Blooming Size 8+ cm around Bulbs

Gardening facts about Polianthes tuberosa plant

How to Grow Polianthes tuberosa

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • glossy
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved