Tulbaghia violacea
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- tul-BAG-ee-uh vy-oh-LAH-say-uh
- Description
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Society Garlic is a tender perennial in the Amaryllidaceae family. Leaves and rootstock have a strong garlic smell when bruised, hence the common name. The plants have good drought and heat tolerance but do best with adequate moisture during the growing season. In cooler regions, they grow as annuals in patio or deck containers. Or they can be brought indoors to overwinter. They can survive the winter in the ground if provided with protection and adequate mulch. They work well in rock or herb gardens or planted along borders and edges. This plant is moderately salt tolerant.
The edible flowers have an oniony to peppery flavor and may be eaten raw or cooked.
Seasons of Interest:
Bloom: Early Summer to Fall
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problem. Slugs and snails may damage the foliage.
Plants this may be confused with: Garlic chives Allium tuberosum
- See this plant in the following landscapes:
- Dry Stream Bed Garden in Cabarrus County Sun to Shade Garden in Craven County
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Tulbaghia
- Species:
- violacea
- Family:
- Amaryllidaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Bulb
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Root Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- South Africa
- Edibility:
- Flowers and leaves are edible (mild garlic flavor), and may be used in soups and salads.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Edible
- Ground Cover
- Perennial
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Clumping
- Erect
- 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)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Sand
- 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 Description:
- Triangular capsules split to reveal small black seeds
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Umbel
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Tubular
- Flower Petals:
- 6 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- 20” stalks tall bearing terminal umbels of fragrant lilac-pink flowers. 3/4 inch flowers have 6 pointed tepals and a center tubular corolla.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Smooth
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Rosulate
- Leaf Shape:
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Linear green grass-like leaves are arching and smell of garlic when crushed
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- 20-inch smooth green stems
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Patio
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Edible Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Heat
- Humidity
- Salt
