Society Garlic

(Tulbaghia violacea)

Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Tulbaghia violacea, commonly known as society garlic, is a perennial herb native to grasslands and open areas in southern Africa, specifically KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Province. It is also found in rocky outcroppings and stabilizes slopes with its clumping habit. This plant reaches up to 60 cm (24 in) in height and 25 cm (10 in) in width, forming dense clumps of narrow, strap-like leaves. From midsummer to autumn, it produces large clusters of fragrant, violet flowers that are particularly showy and attract pollinators. The flowers are borne on tall stems above the foliage and are known for their garlic-like scent when crushed.

Society garlic is valued for its ornamental flowers, ease of maintenance, and the ability to thrive in a range of conditions. It is often used in borders, as ground cover, or in herb gardens for its culinary uses. The leaves and flowers are edible, with a mild garlic flavor, and can be used in salads and as a garnish. It prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, and while it does best with regular watering, it is drought-tolerant once established. Society garlic is suitable for a variety of soil types, provided they have good drainage. The cultivars ‘Purple Eye’ and ‘Silver Lace’ are popular for their decorative foliage and have received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions and may require protection from winter frosts in colder climates.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-2 feet
  • Width: 0.8-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall, Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Grasslands and open areas, and rocky outcroppings in southern Africa

Other Names

Common Names: Pink Agapanthus, Wild Garlic, Sweet Garlic, Spring Bulbs, Spring Flowers, Tulbaghia, 紫嬌花

Scientific Names: , Tulbaghia violacea, Tulbaghia violacea var. violacea, Omentaria violacea,

GBIF Accepted Name: Tulbaghia violacea Harv.