Tuberose Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)
Tuberose (Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Asparagaceae family, native to Mexico (exact wild origin uncertain; cultivated since Aztec times). It grows 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -9 °C (16 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
Plan Tuberose in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Tuberose at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -9 °C (16 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about August for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mexico (exact wild origin uncertain; cultivated since Aztec times) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇮🇳 India |
Is Tuberose toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Toxicity is not well documented; not listed as a significant poison by the ASPCA.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Tuberose
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Tuberose in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (6 plants)
Questions about Tuberose
- How far apart should I plant Tuberose?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Tuberose need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Tuberose need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Tuberose?
- It tolerates about -9 °C (16 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Tuberose flower?
- From about August for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Tuberose poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. Toxicity is not well documented; not listed as a significant poison by the ASPCA.
- What grows well with Tuberose?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Tuberose. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Rhizomes are lifted and stored indoors in climates with hard winter frost; flowers best in long hot summers.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Asparagus Asparagus officinalis
- Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis
- Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
- Common bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Century plant (agave) Agave americana
- Adam's needle (yucca) Yucca filamentosa