With a name like “Society Garlic,” one might wonder if Tulbaghia violacea frequents elegant garden parties. This moniker, intriguingly, stems from its mild garlic scent, allowing one to consume it without the consequential strong garlic breath – making it more ‘sociable’ than its robust relatives. Characterized by its delicate lavender blooms and slender, arching leaves, this South African native is as much a visual delight as it is an aromatic one. For those looking to introduce this sophisticated and fragrant addition to their garden, here’s your holistic guide.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Tulbaghia violacea, commonly known as society garlic, pink agapanthus, wild garlic, sweet garlic, spring bulbs, or spring flowers, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae, indigenous to southern Africa (KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Province), and reportedly naturalized in Tanzania and Mexico.
Growing to 60 cm (24 in) tall by 25 cm (10 in) wide, it is a clump-forming perennial with narrow leaves and large clusters of fragrant, violet flowers from midsummer to autumn (fall).
When grown as an ornamental, this plant requires some protection from winter frosts. This species and the cultivars ‘Purple Eye’ and ‘Silver Lace’, with cream-margined leaves, have all gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Treatment of seeds with a smoke solution has been shown to increase the leaf mass and height of T. violacea seedlings. Seeds exposed to aerosol smoke was also shown to lead to a higher seedling survival percentage.
- Safety and toxicity
Some fatalities and symptoms like gastro-enteritis, abdominal pain, cessation of gastro-intestinal peristalsis, sloughing of the intestinal mucosa, and contraction of the pupils, have been implicated in medication prepared with T. violacea. There has been speculation that T. violacea may cause poisonings but tests on rabbits showed no negative effects. It is possible that reported adverse effects are due to extensive use and/or high dosages of the plant. Adverse effects are generally assumed to be associated with the steroidal saponins and/or the sulphur compounds.
Ncube et al. (2011) found that the leaves and flowers of the plant are edible as vegetables. Elgorashi et al. (2003) used the Ames and VITOTOX tests and found that these parts (leaves and flowers) are non-toxic.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
For the most vigorous growth, be sure to plant society garlic in full sun. This ensures a nice, compact growth and the best color possible. It tolerates part shade but will have fewer blooms and more of a lax growth habit.
Temperature and Humidity
Established plants can survive extended droughts, moderate frosts, and light freezes. Remove any foliage that may be damaged by frost.
Watering
Water plants slowly and deeply in case there is a drought in spring or summer. It’s important that you’re careful not to overwater the plant. Tubers are susceptible to rot, especially when planted in soggy or wet soil. Your garlic plants will do best when watered with regularity during their growing season, allowed to dry out slightly when in bloom, and allowed to almost completely dry out during winter dormancy.
Soil
Give society garlic light or sandy soil with a pH between 6.8 and 7.5. It will grow best in moderately fertile soil that is rich in organic matter, but will adapt to almost any soil type, like loam, that is well-drained.
Fertilizing
To improve drainage and encourage flowering, work two to three inches of organic compost or general-purpose fertilizer into the soil once a year in early spring.
Planting Instructions
Society garlic can be planted from plants or seeds. plants should be transplanted in the spring. Add a scoop of compost to your transplant holes and plant transplants so that the soil sits at the same level as it was in the pot. Pack the soil around the plants gently but firmly. Water plants well.
Seeds should be started indoors in small pots or trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. Transplant them out in the spring of their second year. plants started from seed may not bloom until their third year.
Pruning
Society garlic requires no significant grooming. Trim back dead leaves and flowers.
In some landscapes, the strap-like foliage and flower stems are back to the ground in the late autumn. But it is not required.
Propagation
Society garlic can be divided every two or three years, and more plants created from the divisions.
- Dig up a big clump of the plant.
- Split the clump into manageable pieces using a knife or hand pruners.
- Split off individual plants with a knife ensuring there’s some root.
- Cut the foliage in half. This helps with transplant shock to help the plant survive with a limited root system.
- Using a good quality, well-draining potting mix, half-fill a pot.
- Gently put a plant in the pot, careful not to break off the fragile roots.
- Carefully fill the pot with potting mix.
- After potting your new plants, give them a thorough drink of water.
In 6 – 8 weeks, your plants will be ready, complete with flowers.
Plant them in full sun in your garden or share them with friends.
Transplanting
For the best chance of success with society garlic, transplant during early summer to late summer or late fall to mid-winter. Select a sunny location, preferably with well-drained soil, for optimal growth. Always handle the delicate roots gently while transplanting.
Potting and Repotting
A good way to save a few plants for the following springs is to dig up a few tubers and plant them in a container. Bring them indoors just before the first fall frost to overwinter, placing them in a bright, cool area. Cut down on watering to simulate a dormant period.
Pests and Diseases
If grown outdoors, society garlic plants rarely attract insects. Those grown in greenhouses or potted indoors for winter may attract aphids or whiteflies. Syringe the plant with a strong spray of water and use insecticidal soap to treat either of these pest infestations. Spread a layer of crushed eggshells or other gritty material around the base of outdoor plants to discourage any soft-bodied pests.
III. Society Garlic Varieties
- ‘Silver Lace’ bears lavender blooms above variegated foliage that is blue-green with white-silver margins.
- ‘Variegata’ bears lavender-pink flowers, similar to the most common species, but is set apart by its straplike foliage, which is striped green and white.
- ‘Tricolor’ flowers are lilac-pink atop silvery-green, blue-gray foliage edged in white or shell-pink.
IV. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
Gardeners appreciate the society garlic’s sweetly fragrant lilac-colored blooms atop tall stems. A winner of the Award of Garden Merit, society garlic is renowned for its use as a border or edging plant in cottage, rock, and herb gardens across the world.
- Medicinal uses
Tulbaghia violacea is used locally as a herbal remedy/medicine to treat several ailments.
Due to increasing evidence of its potential as an antifungal agent, large-scale commercialization is anticipated. However, this may make the Tulbaghia genus threatened as it is susceptible to overuse.
- Culinary uses
Often sold as an herb, society garlic is known to be especially delicious in salads and soups. South Africa’s Dutch settlers used it in the place of more traditional garlic. The greens of society garlic can be cooked similar to chives, and the bulbs similar to traditional garlic. Use it to garnish any dish, such as a salad or dessert, with a society garlic flower.
