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Tulbaghia

Phonetic Spelling
tul-BAG-ee-uh
Description

Society Garlic is in the amaryllis family with most species being native to South Africa. They have a long blooming period with purplish-pink to white flowers and foliage that has a garlic scent. Prefers a well-drained soil with humus added. They are tolerant of heat and humidity but appreciate some water during dry spells but also tolerate some drought. It is moderately salt-tolerant and deer generally avoid them. The roots are tuberous and spread over time forming clumps. Leaves are generally narrow, long and grass-like.

Best blooming occurs in full sun but they will tolerate some shade. Use this plant in borders, containers or rock gardens. Deadhead to extend the blooming season. Propagate by division as needed.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Silver Lace'
    Variegated leaves
'Silver Lace'
Tags:
#heat tolerant#perennial bulbs#salt tolerant#edging#deer resistant#long bloom time#rock garden#border planting#humidity tolerant#walkway planting#container plant#patio
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Silver Lace'
    Variegated leaves
'Silver Lace'
Tags:
#heat tolerant#perennial bulbs#salt tolerant#edging#deer resistant#long bloom time#rock garden#border planting#humidity tolerant#walkway planting#container plant#patio
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Tulbaghia
    Family:
    Amaryllidaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    The leaves and bulbs have been used in herbal medicine
    Life Cycle:
    Bulb
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    South Africa
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Drought and salt. Resistant to deer.
    Bulb Storage:
    Store tuberous roots in moist peat at 45°F (7°C) in cilder climates
    Edibility:
    Leaves and flowers can be used in salads
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Clumping
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Triangular capsules split to release the flattened, hard black seeds
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Long Bloom Season
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Trumpet
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Flowers are borne in clusters called umbrels with 6 tepals and a raised crown-like structure in the center of the flower called a corona.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Long linear grass-like green leaves with a garlic odor when crushed
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    Yes
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    Straight green stems
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Coastal
    Container
    Slope/Bank
    Small Space
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Children's Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Edible Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Heat
    Humidity
    Salt