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Tulbaghia violacea
society garlic
Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, South Africa; rocky grasslands and hillsides
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At a Glance
TypePerennial
HabitClumping
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Width12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Maturity2 years
Overview
Tulbaghia violacea is society garlic, a semi-evergreen clumping perennial growing 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall and wide. Terminal umbels of 8-20 soft lilac-violet to pale purple tubular 6-petaled flowers 0.75 inch (18 mm) with a small white corona on slender stems from May through October — up to 6 months of near-continuous bloom. Narrow strap-like gray-green foliage 6-12 inches (15-30 cm), strongly garlic-scented when bruised. In the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). The common name 'society garlic' derives from the belief that the garlic flavor is mild enough for social occasions. Edible: the flowers and foliage have a mild garlic flavor used in South African cooking. However, all Tulbaghia parts contain organosulfur compounds toxic to dogs and cats (Heinz body anemia — similar to Allium toxicity). 'Silver Lace' has variegated white-edged leaves. The garlic-scented foliage deters deer. Named after Ryk Tulbagh (1699-1771), Dutch colonial governor of the Cape Colony. Grows from rhizomatous corms. Sharp drainage — crown rot in wet winter soil. Native to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa. Full sun. Drought-tolerant once established. Zones 7-10. Growth rate is moderate to fast.
Native Range
Native to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa, growing in rocky grasslands and hillsides.Suggested Uses
Planted in borders, herb gardens, and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) in zones 7-10. Up to 6 months of bloom. Edible (flowers and foliage). Garlic scent deters deer. Toxic to pets. Sharp drainage.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Spring to fall (May-October), lasting up to 24 weeks near-continuous. Umbels of 8-20 lilac-violet tubular flowers. Reblooms without deadheading. Remove spent stems for tidiness.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Soft lilac-violet to pale purple; tubular 6-petaled, 0.75 inch (18 mm), with a small white corona; terminal umbels of 8-20 flowers on slender stemsFoliage Description
Narrow strap-like linear, gray-green, 6-12 inches (15-30 cm); strongly garlic-scented when bruisedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun. Sharp drainage — crown rot in wet winter soil. Edible flowers and foliage (mild garlic). Toxic to dogs and cats (organosulfur compounds). Garlic-scented foliage deters deer. 'Silver Lace' for variegated leaves. Drought-tolerant. Zones 7-10.Pruning
Remove spent umbel stems at the base. Cut foliage to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in late winter (February-March) in zones 7-8. Divide every 3-4 years in early spring. The rhizomatous corms spread gradually.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons