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Conservatory GreenhouseSynonym

Polianthes tuberosa

tuberose

Has strappy leaves and spikes of white, waxy, funnel-shaped flowers in summer. It's famous for its heady scent, especially as a cut flower

Other common names
mistress of the night
omixochitl
see moresilver leaf
Synonyms
Polianthes tuberosa
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats): harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Agave can be perennial or monocarpic succulents, forming rosettes of usually rigid, fleshy, spiny-edged leaves, with funnel-shaped flowers in racemes or panicles often much taller than the rosettes

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Requires a minimum temperature of 15°C, so must be overwintered indoors. Dry off pots at the end of summer when leaves begin to die down, beginning watering and feeding again in spring. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by seed or offsets in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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