Thomas Jefferson wrote to his favorite nurseryman, Philadelphia's Bernard McMahon, "I have an extensive flower garden, in which I am fond of placing handsome plants or fragrant. Those of mere curiosity I do not aim at . . ." Tuberose was popular in the early Nineteenth Century for the almost cloying sweetness of its flowers, and McMahon sent double Tuberoses to Monticello in 1807. They flowered on August 12, and on November 9, Anne Cary Randolph, Jefferson's granddaughter, reported that "we shall have plenty of them for the next year." Tuberoses were so common that they were noted as being naturalized in eastern Virginia by Williamsburg's John Custis in 1735.
Visit Monticello’s Online Shop to check for seeds or plants of tuberose.
Typical Blooming Dates: August-October
Blossom Color(s): White
Location at Monticello: West Lawn
In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.
