Variegated society garlic is a grassy, clumping groundcover that grows to about a foot tall. Lilac-purple flower clusters top tall stems that stand anywhere from a few inches to a foot above the plant throughout the warm months, especially in spring and summer. Creamy white stripes line the edges of each strappy, blue-green leaf, giving the plant an extra refined appearance.

Society garlic has a strong garlic/onion scent when brushed against or cut, and its edible flowers and leaves have a mild garlic/onion flavor. Wildlife will typically refrain from foraging this plant because of its characteristic scent and taste. Although it will flower more abundantly in full sun, society garlic also grows quite well in shade. It looks lovely when planted along the edge of a pond or near a water feature, and does well alongside annuals or other perennials in containers and flower beds.