Tulbaghia violacea
society garlic
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: moderately fertile, reliably moist soil
- Rate of growth: fast
- Flowering period: July to September
- Hardiness: borderline hardy (may need winter protection)
Clusters of large, star-like, lilac flowers, which have a slight scent that becomes more pronounced in the evening, top upright stems from midsummer to early autumn. These appear above dense clumps of attractive, grass-like, greyish green leaves. Best grown at the front of a sunny, well-drained border or in a gravel garden, Tulbaghia is often called 'society garlic' as the leaves smell similar to garlic and onions, and can be useful as a pest repellent plant especially when grown under roses.
Please note that we are offering these plants in pots for beds and borders. Tulbaghia grows in a range of poorly-drained or boggy soils and are also available in aquatic pots, with a suitable soil mix, for shallow water submergence. Please see this link to view.
Please note that we are offering these plants in pots for beds and borders. Tulbaghia grows in a range of poorly-drained or boggy soils and are also available in aquatic pots, with a suitable soil mix, for shallow water submergence. Please see this link to view.
Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost around the base of the plant in early spring. Cut back the faded flowerheads in late summer and autumn.