Society Garlic

Tulbaghia violacea | Purple

Tulbaghia violacea, commonly known as Society Garlic, is an herbaceous perennial native to southern Africa. It is widely cultivated for its narrow blue-green foliage and tall, leafless stalks topped with dainty purple flowers. Blooming profusely from early summer into autumn, the plant provides a delicate, airy texture to the landscape. It earns its common name from the strong garlic odor the leaves emit when brushed or crushed; however, eating the edible leaves and flowers is said to leave less of a lingering odor on the breath than true garlic.

Grow Guide

  • Light: Full Sun
  • Hardiness: USDA Zones 7–10
  • Size: 1–2 feet tall (including flower stalks) with a spread of 1 foot
  • Watering: Medium. While it exhibits good drought tolerance once established, it thrives and blooms best with consistent, moderate watering during the active growing season.
  • Best Use: Outstanding for herb gardens, rock gardens, border edging, and containers. Both the flowers and foliage are edible, making it a functional culinary plant as well as an ornamental one. Its pungent scent makes it highly deer and rabbit resistant, while the sweet-smelling flowers attract butterflies and bees.