About Tulbaghia violacea (Tri-Color Society Garlic)
This flowering evergreen is called Tulbaghia violacea. Commonly known as Tri-Color Society Garlic, this clumping shrub features variegated grey-green sword-like foliage with purple-pink flowers. Resting upon stalks that rise above its foliage, its delicate tubular flowers bloom continuously throughout the year with a heavy blooming period between the spring and fall seasons. Growing an average landscape height of 2′ by 1′, its foliage reaches a height of 1′ while its flower stalks can reach up to 2′ tall. Interestingly, if brushed up against, this plant emits a garlic aroma and the leaves and flowers are both edible that can be used as a garlic flavoring cooked or raw.
Planting and care instructions
Plant Tulbaghia violacea in an area that receives full sun using well-draining, humus-rich soil. As with most plants, water regularly after planting to establish a healthy root system then reduce the frequency to weekly. During periods of extreme heat water more regularly. Under drought conditions or underwatering, this variety can go dormant. Remove spent blooms to maintain the appearance and a general fertilizer can be used in the spring to encourage growth.
Landscape design ideas
Tri-Color Society Garlic is a versatile, easy to maintain, plant. Consider planting this variety as a low border to a pathway or as an evergreen filler to planting beds mixed in with deciduous varieties.
Looking for more clumping evergreen plants? Read about Hemerocallis ‘Russian Rhapsody’
