Agave amica (Tuberose)

Agave amica (Tuberose) white flower cluster with pink tipped buds reaching toward the sky.

Botanical names: Agave amica, Polianthes tuberosa

Common name: Tuberose

Family: Asparagaceae (Formerly:Agavaceae / Amaryllidaceae)

Subfamily: Agavoideae

Origin: Mexico

USDA Zone: 9-11

Plant form: Small

Mature height: 2-5 ft

Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor

Cold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.

Watering: Regular; moderate

Flower color: White and off-white

Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing

Fragrance: Fragrant; perfume plant

Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

The Tuberose grows in elongated spikes up to 45 cm (18 in) long that produce clusters of fragrant waxy white flowers that bloom from the bottom towards the top of the spike. It has long, bright green leaves clustered at the base of the plant and smaller, clasping leaves along the stem.

Tuberose may grow wild in Mexico and surrounding countries, but the cultivation of tuberose is usually in Morocco, the Comores Islands, France, Hawaii, South Africa, India, and China.

Long-lasting as a cut flower in water (with lots of changes.)Most flowers begin to lose their scent when they are picked. Not so with tuberose, like jasmine, the heady floral scent continues to produce itself. In Ayurvedic medicine, attars are held in high esteem not only for their exquisite fragrance, but their healing properties. Tuberose is known to improve one's capacity for emotional depth.

See Article about Polianthes tuberosa.