Tuberose
Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa), also known as Agave amica, is a fragrant, tender perennial plant prized for its intensely scented, waxy-white blooms.
Not a Rose – Despite its name, tuberose is not related to roses. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family, along with agaves, yuccas, and hostas.
Native to Mexico – Tuberose originates from Mexico, where it has been cultivated for centuries. The Aztecs valued it for its beauty and fragrance.
A Symbol of Love and Passion – In many cultures, tuberose represents romance, seduction, and devotion. It is often used in Hawaiian leis, Indian weddings, and religious ceremonies.
One of the Most Fragrant Flowers – Tuberose emits a sweet, creamy, and exotic scent that intensifies at night to attract nocturnal pollinators like moths.
Essential for Perfumes – Tuberose has been distilled for perfume since the 17th century when it arrived in Europe. Queen Marie Antoinette wore it in Sillage de la Reine. It remains a prized floral note in perfumery, featured in Fracas by Robert Piguet.
A Night-Blooming Flower – While the blooms remain open during the day, their scent is strongest at night, making them perfect for moon gardens.
Long Blooming Season – Tuberose blooms from late summer to early fall, providing weeks of beauty and fragrance.
Grows Well in Pots – Ideal for container gardening, tuberose can be moved indoors in colder climates to protect the bulbs from frost.
Used in Ayurveda – In traditional Indian medicine, tuberose is believed to have calming and aphrodisiac properties.
A Star of Victorian Gardens – In the 19th century, tuberose was a must-have in European gardens, admired for its luxurious scent and elegant blooms.
Tuberose Obsession at Versailles – Tuberoses were a favorite of Louis XIV of France, who planted them in abundance at the Grand Trianon in Versailles. Their intense fragrance filled the air, creating an overwhelming scent that likely masked the unpleasant odors from the palace’s poor sanitation, adding to the grandeur of the Sun King’s court.
