Tulbaghia violacea

Also Known As

Pink Agapanthus
Society Garlic
Society Garlic
Sweet Garlic

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

H: 12"-18"
W: 18"-24"

planting zones

7a-11

More Options

Tulbaghia violacea plant details

Tulbaghia violacea is a broadleaf evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial bulb / corm / tuber with blue, green, pink and variegated foliage. In fall, spring and summer lavender and white flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer, dry when dormant. Does well in gritty, lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Tulbaghia violacea

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: amaryllidaceae
Foliage: evergreen or semi-evergreen blue, green, pink and variegated
Mature size: 18 IN - 24 IN - wide, 12 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: lavender and white blooms in fall, spring and summer
Uses: container plant, culinary, edging plant, edible, fragrant, fragrant foliage, rock garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Tulbaghia violacea

USDA Zones: 7a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty, lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Umbels of sweet scented flowers atop 60cm stems, this is commonly known as society garlic and presumably is edible, although I cannot personally attest to the fact (Here at Arrowhead we are just not the society types).

By: Arrowhead Alpines

Semi Hardy. Full Sun to Light Shade. Violet Flowers. Outdoor. Light/Bright Shade.

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Erect, grasslike basal leaves are bluish-green to 12? long with lavender-pink blossoms held in clusters atop slender stems that reach above the foliage most of the year, but most heavily in spring and summer. Both foliage and flower stems smell of garlic when crushed. Useful as bedding, sunny border, or in and amongst rockery. Hardy to 20F. South Africa.

By: Native Sons

(Tulbaghia violacea) grass-like foliage growing to 2' tall, variegated green and white with a hint of pink...produces lavender flowers which are edible in salads...does not give garlic breath like others...hardy to zone 8.....useful as an ornamental blooming spring to mid-summer

By: Accents for Home and Garden

A tough and reliable clump-forming perennial with arching to upright gray-green foliage which is topped by clusters of fragrant (most fragrant after dark!) lavender flowers from early summer to fall. Foliage has the fragrance of garlic when crushed or bruised. Bulbs and leaves are edible and can be used in place of garlic or garlic chives. It is reported to repel moles. The name Society Garlic came about by the belief that it would not leave you with bad breath as common garlic would.