Polianthes
(name given by Linnaeus, probably from polios, white, and anthos, a flower; alluding to the colour of the blossoms). Erroneously spelt Polyanthus. Tuberose. ORD. Amaryllideae. A monotypic genus. The species is a splendid, half-hardy, bulbous plant. Tuberoses may be had in flower throughout the greater part of the year by potting successional batches of bulbs. They are imported at the latter end of the year, but a portion may be kept for successions. Loam, with a little manure or leaf mould intermixed, is a suitable compost, and 5in., or at the most 6in., pots are large enough. The bulbs may be inserted singly or three in a pot, and plunged at once in a bottom heat of from 60 deg. to 70 deg.; water should be withheld until the leaves appear, unless the soil becomes very dry; afterwards, it may be given freely. The flowers are pure white, and very highly perfumed; when detached singly, they are very useful for buttonhole and other bouquets. As the plants naturally grow tall, they should be kept in a light position, to induce them to keep as dwarf as possible. They will succeed during summer in any cool house, or may be planted in an open border. The bulbs are not usually kept after one year.
P. tuberosa (tuberous).* fl. white, delightfully fragrant, showy, disposed in a long, terminal, simple raceme; perianth funnel-shaped and incurved; stamens affixed at the throat. Autumn. l. radical or on the lower part of the stem. Stem or rhizome short, tuberous, erect, simple. h. 3ft. to 4ft. Mexico (cultivated in American, Asiatic, and European gardens), 1629. (B. M. 1817; B. R. 63.) The double-flowered form is that principally grown. There are several varieties, such as DOUBLE AFRICAN, DOUBLE AMERICAN, DOUBLE ITALIAN, and PEARL, and, of these, the last-named is most preferable, it being not so tall in growth as the others.
