Polianthes: Perfect in Pots and Gardens

Ah, the Polianthes, also known as tuberose – has a scent so intoxicating it could charm the socks off anyone within a whiffing distance. This Mexican native was once the Aztecs' secret weapon, adding a dash of it to their chocolate. On top of that, they used it for its healing anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Talk about flower power! 

After hitching a ride back to Europe with some enthusiastic Spanish explorers, Polianthes could be found sprucing up Italian churches. These waxy white wonders, which graciously bloom at night in the middle of summer, are also highly sought after as cut flowers, adding an air of elegance to any bouquet.

While they prefer living the tropical or temperate life, they’re not too fussy and can thrive in various climates. In fact, in most places in South Africa they can remain in the soil all year round. However, if you live somewhere where frost has a tendency to ruin everyone's fun, you might want to offer them some winter protection. Best keep them in a nice container or give them a cosy spot in the garden, and they'll thank you by continuing to smell absolutely divine, season after season. Give them the right care, and the bulbs will do the rest. 

What do Polianthes need

Tuberoses really aren’t that demanding. All they ask for is some posh, well-composted soil that drains like a dream, a good drink every 3-4 days provided it hasn’t rained (at least 10 minutes), and a bit of shelter from strong winds. Pop them in a sunny spot where they can bask in the glory of the full sun. These beauties are tough, so you won’t have to worry about pests or diseases. 

Where to plant in the garden

For the best show, grow them in groups towards the middle or back of your garden bed. They can reach up to 70 cm in height, making them a level 3 height in the garden bed (level 3 means your taller plants that are in the front of your backdrop planting or your skeleton planting), so don’t plant them right at the front of the bed. For the same reason, when growing in pots, ensure the pot is big enough! 

Mass planting will reward you with a glorious fragrance wafting through the garden – think perfume aisle, but better. 

Potted Polianthes

Planting your Polianthes in pots is a great way to make the most of their fragrance. You can place the pot on your patio, this will ensure that the scent-cloud won’t have to reach across your whole garden before it gets to you. If you want to try this, you will need to find the right containers or pots. Remember, the blooms get quite tall so you need to choose a pot that is in proportion. An essential for potting Polianthes is good drainage, so ensure that the pot has many drainage holes, and consider lifting the pot on pot-feet to help it drain more effectively.

Aftercare

Feed your tuberoses periodically, with a topdressing of manure or a sprinkling of Hadeco Bulb Food, and especially after they have strutted their stuff and finished flowering. Allow them to continue their growth cycle and only once their leaves die naturally, cut them back. You can then leave them to hibernate in the ground for winter. They'll be back next season, ready to steal the show again!

Companion plants

You might be wondering what are complimentary plants or bulbs to plant with your Polianthes? A great combination would be Polianthes, dahlias and Crocosmia. It’s a good idea to plant bulbs and perennials together that have similar care requirements. You can also plant them among agapanthus, marigolds, and lavender. 

How to cut Polianthes

If you're keen to show off your Polianthes in floral arrangements, here's what you need to know. 

• Wait until 80% of the flowers have opened before cutting the stems
• Cut them early in the morning
• Once you have cut the stems, remove all the foliage that will be below the waterline of your vase
• Place them in a solution of water with some flower food
• Keep your flower arrangement out of direct sunlight and drafty spots

It's that simple! The vase life of Polianthes is 7-10 days. You can combine them with pink roses for a traditional and romantic look.

Happy gardening!