Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea)
Society garlic, or Tulbaghia violacea, is a perennial herb that is as versatile as it is beautiful. Native to South Africa, this plant has captured the hearts of gardeners worldwide with its slender, graceful foliage and clusters of lilac-pink flowers. On this page, we'll dive into everything you need to know to start society garlic in your garden or food forest.
Tulbaghia violacea is a splendid choice for anyone looking to add long-lasting color and texture to their garden with minimal effort. Its drought tolerance, pest resistance, and edible properties make it an invaluable plant for diverse garden settings. Try incorporating society garlic into your garden this season and enjoy the myriad of benefits it brings to your outdoor space.
While this page references edible parts, always confirm plant identity and safe use before consumption, and avoid harvesting from plants treated with pesticides.
Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Tulbaghia violacea |
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| Family Name: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Common Name(s): | Society Garlic, Wild Garlic, Sweet Garlic, Pink Agapanthus, Spring Bulbs |
| Size: |
Usually grows to a height of about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters). The plant tends to spread to about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) wide. |
| Plant Type: | Perennial Herb |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Native to South Africa; thrives in parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal where it grows in grasslands and rocky terrains, generally favoring sunny, well-drained spots. |
| Native range in the USA: | Not native; introduced and naturalized in parts of California, Florida, and southern coastal regions |
| Conservation Status: | Not listed as endangered or threatened |
Cultivation
| Planting: |
Its neat clumps make it ideal for edges of borders or paths and suitable for containers. Plant bulbs about 4 to 6 inches apart and 2 to 3 inches deep to allow space and airflow. |
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| Sun Exposure: | Full sun for best growth and flowering; tolerates partial shade |
| Soil Type: | Well-drained sandy or loamy soil preferred; tolerates many soils but dislikes waterlogged conditions |
| Soil pH: | 6.0 to 7.0 |
| Water Requirements: | Water thoroughly after planting; drought-tolerant once established but performs best with regular watering during dry periods |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote growth and flowering |
| Pruning Requirements: | Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; trim foliage in late winter/early spring before new growth |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate to fast |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | Drought-tolerant once established; water regularly during the first season to build strong roots |
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| Frost Tolerance: |
Moderate; light frosts may not cause major harm, but prolonged freezes can damage foliage and roots. Typically withstands about 10°F to 20°F (-12°C to -7°C). |
| Heat Tolerance: | High; performs well in 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C) and can tolerate higher heat |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate; flexible leaves handle breezes, but strong persistent winds may warrant protection |
| Salt Tolerance: | Moderate; suitable for some coastal areas with salt spray |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | 7 through 10 |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Small, elongated capsule-like fruits containing black, angular seeds (useful for propagation) |
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| Harvest Time: | Fall |
| Fruit Description: | Three-parted capsules containing seeds |
| Edible Plant: | Yes |
| Edible Parts: | Leaves, flowers, bulbs |
| Medicinal: | Traditionally used for infections, inflammation, blood pressure, cholesterol, immune support, digestive issues, and cold/flu (research is essential) |
| Flower Color: |
Typically lilac or light purple. White Society Garlic (a cultivar of Tulbaghia violacea) produces predominantly white blossoms. |
| Flower Shape: | Small, star-shaped flowers clustered at the end of tall stems; each bloom has six pointed petals spreading outward from a central corona. |
| Fragrance: | Subtle, pleasant fragrance with a mild garlic note; more noticeable when brushed or in warm weather |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Generally June through October depending on climate and conditions |
| Pollination: Self or Other? | Can self-pollinate to a degree, but insect-assisted cross-pollination is typically most effective |
Wildlife
| Pollinators: | Bees, butterflies, moths, hoverflies, and small birds |
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| Problematic Pest: | Aphids, slugs, snails, and thrips |
| Attracts: | Bees, butterflies, moths, hoverflies, ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps, and small birds |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | Generally considered safe and non-toxic |
|---|---|
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | None |
| Toxic to Humans: | People sensitive to alliums (onion/garlic/leek family) may react via contact or ingestion |
| Toxic to Animals: | Not widely recognized as toxic, but large ingestion may cause GI upset in some animals; monitor pets |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | Root Rot, Rust, Leaf Spot, Botrytis (Gray Mold) |
Companion Planting
Companion planting with Tulbaghia violacea (society garlic) is often used to support neighboring plants because its mild garlic-like scent may help deter certain pests. Below are classic pairing ideas that align with typical garden layouts and the sun/well-drained conditions society garlic prefers.
| Roses |
Benefits: May help deter aphids by masking plant scent. Placement: Plant around the base of rose bushes. |
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| Tomatoes |
Benefits: Potential pest confusion/deterrence near tomatoes. Placement: Intersperse society garlic between tomato plants. |
| Fruit Trees |
Benefits: Living mulch effect for weed suppression; scent may discourage some pests/rodents. Placement: Plant around the drip line under the canopy. |
| Carrots |
Benefits: Scent may help mask carrots from carrot flies. Placement: Use along borders of carrot beds. |
| Herb Gardens |
Benefits: Pairs well with aromatic herbs (rosemary, thyme, lavender) for layered scent
deterrence and pollinator interest. Placement: Space through herb beds as a repeating accent. |
| Flower Beds |
Benefits: Adds long bloom season and edging structure while contributing scent-based pest deterrence. Placement: Use as a border plant in mixed annual/perennial beds. |