Polianthes howardii

I sent a letter to Yucca-Do, and received this from Wade. Very helpful. "... I am not sure if the Polianthes are self fertile or if they need other genetic clones to set viable seed. Other members of the Agave family are not self fertile but I am not sure about Polianthes, only observation will answer this question. Our plants set seed but we have numerous genetic individuals for cross pollination.

After the blooms have fallen and 1/4" green balls develop then seed should be developing. If the flowers fall off and no green seed pods develop then another clone would be necessary for proper pollination. If the 1/4" seed pods do develop then the seed will be ripe when the pod begins to turn light brown or split and black shiny seed will appear. If the seed are white then they are not fertile."

I'd like to recommend this delightful plant. Easy to grow, unusual colors and form, great for beds that tend to be on the dry side. A photographer's treat for sure.

Enjoy!

Elizabeth A. Fichtl (June 22, 2005)