TUBEROSE. 259 



TUBEROSE. 



(POLYANTHUS TUBEROSA.) 



This well known bulbous rooted plant is a native of the 

 East Indies. It has been in cultivation ever since 1629, 

 and is generally admired for its grateful fragrance. The 

 climate of this country is well adapted for its culture, while 

 that of Europe, being too cool and damp, does not do well 

 the second season, even if cultivated in the green-house, which 

 makes England dependent on this country and Italy for 

 its yearly supply. The bulbs increase fast, enabling the 

 florist to raise great quantities ; and it has become a great 

 article of exportation every season. The flower has nothing 

 very prepossessing in its appearance, which is a double 

 white ; but the fragrance emitted is certainly delightful, 

 and desirable for the garden or parlor. Its culture is easy, 

 either in the pot or the flower garden. If cultivated in a pot 

 one of five inches is the best size ; plant them two inches deep ; 

 the soil should be a sandy loam, and if intended to flower 

 early can be forwarded with bottom heat in March. As 

 the flower stem advances it should be supported with a 

 stick. When planted into the open ground the last of 

 April is the best time, as the plant is tender and liable to 

 be destroyed by the spring frost. The leaves of this plant 

 are linear, slightly channelled, about twelve to fifteen inches 

 long, of a pea-green color ; the stem is from three to four 

 feet high ; flowers double, and spiked, not more than two 

 or three are expanded at a time ; generally odoriferous ; 

 rather dingy in color. 



