Tuberose

Agave amica

Mexican tuberous perennial with grassy basal foliage and tall slender stems of intensely fragrant pure-white waxy flowers in late summer and autumn. Among the most powerfully fragrant flowers in cultivation.

Hardiness ratings

Tuberose hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 8–11 −12.2 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H3 −5 °C to 1 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 9 −1 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 3–7 −5 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Plant tubers in spring after frost — flowers August–October, fragrance strongest in the evening
  • Source of tuberose absolute for traditional perfumery — one of the most expensive and prized florals in perfumery
  • Recently moved from Polianthes tuberosa to Agave amica — many catalogues still use the old name
  • Lift and store dry in winter below zone 8, or treat as annual

Pet caution: Tuberose is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Tuberose against your zones

Reference

Tuberose on Wikipedia