Tulbaghia violacea 'Silver Lace'

Common name(s): variegated society garlic

Description: perennial; a variegated form with white leaf margins that is possibly less hardy than other forms of T. violacea. 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. Purple-pink flowers in summer and fall.

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 15 F and below

Drought: adapted to 5 months of summer drought