Tulbaghia
Common Name(s):
- 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'
- 'Silver Lace'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Silver Lace'
Variegated leaves
- 'Silver Lace'
- 'Silver Lace'
- Tags:
-
-
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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Bulb
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Clumping
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Fine
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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
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Triangular capsules split to release the flattened, hard black seeds
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-
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.
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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
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- Yes
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- Straight green stems
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-
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
