Society Garlic
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Tulbaghia violacea (Non-native)
Tulbaghia violacea is a lovely, clumping, evergreen perennial known for its unique, fat, tuberous roots. It proudly displays flexible, grass-like leaves that reach about a foot long and are about a quarter-inch wide, showcasing a delightful blue-green hue. From spring through fall, and sometimes even longer in frost-free areas, delicate slender stalks rise to heights of 18 to 24 inches, crowned with charming umbels of 10 to 20 small lavender flowers. On warm days, the foliage releases a strong garlic-like aroma, especially when touched or after a frost.
This plant thrives in full sun to light shade and benefits from occasional to regular watering—it’s somewhat drought-tolerant but really shines with more frequent care. It’s hardy and evergreen down to around 23°F, with roots that can survive temperatures around 0°F, making it a fantastic choice for USDA Zone 7 and above. An excellent option for creating a low border or decorating the edge of a lawn, pond, or even shallow water, just remember that its distinctive scent can be quite strong, so consider where to plant it. While some may find the smell overpowering, it does help keep animals like cats, dogs, and deer away, as well as potentially snails and slugs. When handling the plant, it’s wise to wear rubber gloves when deadheading, and it’s best to think twice before bringing the flowers indoors for arrangements. The leaves and flowers can add a delightful touch to dishes, as they can be enjoyed both raw and cooked.
Originating from southern Africa (KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Province), this beautiful plant grows along forest margins and stream banks. It holds significant value for local indigenous Zulu tribes, who have used it for food and traditional medicine.
Height: 1’-3’
Spread: 1’-2’
Bloom: April-August
Light: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Zone: 7, 8, 9, 10
Origin: South Africa
Spring Shipping:
Orders are shipped within 7-10 business days. We will email you if there are expected delays.
When you order plants from our nursery, you can expect them to arrive in the best possible condition. Our team carefully packs each order using sturdy, biodegradable packaging materials.
Your plants' appearance may vary depending on the season and their current growth stage. We may cut back the leafy growth of some plants to prepare them for shipment and transplanting.
5 Gallon and Up: Any plant purchased to ship over 5 Gallons will be shipped bare root. This means we will remove the plant from its original pot, remove the soil surrounding the roots, and wrap the roots with a biodegradable plastic bag. This reduces weight and the likelihood of damage during shipping.
Once your plants arrive, it is essential to plant them as soon as possible. This will help them rebound and thrive. If you cannot plant immediately, water regularly and keep the roots off heat-conducting surfaces.
Newly transplanted plants often require more water until their roots are well established. Plan to water them 1-3 times weekly for the first few months.
