Genus: Tulbaghia

Common Names: society garlic

Description coming soon.

Distribution: Southern Africa

Tulbaghia violacea

Common name(s): society garlic

Description: a bulbous, clumping perennial native to South Africa. It was aptly named by Dutch colonizers who found that the mild garlic flavor of the leaves and flowers did not result in offensive breath and was therefore an acceptable substitute for garlic at high society events. Both the leaves and flowers are edible. It has also been used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments.

Height: to 1 ft. Spread: to 1 ft.

Position: full sun and well-draining soil

Uses: medicine, culinary- salads, soups, pasta, etc.

Winter Hardiness: to 5 F and below

Tulbaghia violacea 'Edinburgh'

Common name(s): big violet society garlic

Description: 'Edinburgh' is a selection with particularly large pale violet flowers. 

Tulbaghia violacea 'Oro Verde'

Common name(s): golden society garlic

Description: 'Oro Verde' is a selection from California with a golden leaf margin and particularly wide foliage.

Tulbaghia violacea 'Pearl'

Common name(s): white-flowered society garlic

Description: 'Pearl' is a white-flowered form with pink buds that open to relatively large white flowers with tight, overlapping petals.

Tulbaghia violacea 'Silver Lace'

Common name(s): variegated society garlic

Description: 'Silver Lace' is a variegated form with white leaf margins and is possibly less hardy than other forms.

Tulbaghia violacea 'Snow Flurry'

Common name(s): white-flowered society garlic

Description: 'Snow Flurry' is our own introduction from a chance seedling with pink buds that open to large, loose white flowers.