Tulbaghia violacea is a vigorous rhizomatous perennial plant that grows upright tufts of narrow onion-scented grey-green leaves and, in late summer into autumn, dense heads of pale purple/lilac fragrant flowers
These images are for illustration purposes only. Plants are delivered in nursery pots and other individual features may not be present due to seasonality.
Origin: Southern Africa
Genus: Tulbaghia
Species / Cultivar: violacea
Common Name: Society garlic
Plant Biography
Tulbaghia violacea is a vigorous rhizomatous perennial plant that grows upright tufts of narrow onion-scented grey-green leaves and, in late summer into autumn, dense heads of pale purple/lilac fragrant flowers.
Soil: Moist but Well Drained
Soil that allows water to drain at a moderate rate, without the water pooling.
Growth Rate: Fast
Expect to see prolific growth, especially during growing season.
Water Requirement: Medium
Once it is established, this plant is likely to only require watering during drier periods.
Maintenance: Low
Minimal skill or input needed beyond the basics, a very independent plant.
Situation: Full Sun to Part Shade
Enjoys direct sun most of the day, but tolerant of fewer sunlit hours or light dappling.
Eventual Height: 0.5 - 0.7m
The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.
Eventual Spread: 0.5m
The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.
Hardiness: Half Hardy
Will need protection from frosts in order to survive winter, eg. with fleece jacket.
Habit: Deciduous
Sheds all its foliage annually, so for a period of the year it will be without foliage.
Lifecycle: Perennial
This plant is persistant and does not die off after flowering. It will return each season indefinitely, if provided with suitable growing conditions.
Expert tip
The Society Garlic is an ideal plant for coastal gardens as it has a high tolerance to salty terrains and sea breeze.
Care & Size Guidance
Society garlic is well suited to growing in the arid or Mediterranean style garden adding valuable colour late in the season. It isn’t reliably hardy throughout the UK, benefitting from a deep mulch of gravel, but where it can be grown it is a trouble-free plant, spreading each season to make big clumps.
Plant trivia
Though named "garlic" and in certain circumstances the leaves of the Tulbaghia may be considered edible, adverse effects may be present (upset stomach etc) due to high concentration of sulphur compounds found in the plant.
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