Stephen Albert
Tuhlbaghia, commonly called society garlic, produces umbels of dainty, usually purple or white flowers, sometimes fragrant, especially at night. Flowers are tubular, each with 6 spreading petals and a small trumpet corona. Basal, strap-shaped leaves are gray-green and smell similar to onions or garlic.
Get to know Tuhlbaghia – Society Garlic
- Plant type: Perennial
- Growing Zones and range: 8-11
- Hardiness: Half-hardy
- Height and width: 18”- 2’ tall, 6”- 10” wide
- Foliage: Silver gray grassy leaves
- Flowers: Clusters of lavender tubular blooms on long, slender, wiry stems
- Bloom time: Early summer and continue blooming until fall
- Uses: Rock gardens, front of mixed borders, containers
- Botanical name: Tulbaghia
- Common name: Society Garlic
Where to plant Tuhlbaghia – Society Garlic
- Plant Tuhlbaghia in full sun to light shade.
- Grow Tuhlbaghia in average, moist, but well-drained soil.
When to plant Tuhlbaghia – Society Garlic
- Plant container grown Tuhlbaghia in spring or fall.
- Plant Tuhlbaghia bulbs in spring.
Planting and spacing Tuhlbaghia – Society Garlic
- Space Tuhlbaghia 10 to 12 inches apart.
- Set bulb 1 to 2 inches deep.
How to water and feed Tuhlbaghia – Society Garlic
- Tuhlbaghia needs moderate moisture; keep the soil just moist. Established plants will tolerate some drought.
Tuhlbaghia – Society Garlic care
- Tuhlbaghia is low maintenance.
- Trim spent blooms to encourage new flowers.
- Mulch society garlic in late autumn to protect plants from the winter cold.
- Tuhlbaghia is bothered by few pests or diseases.
Tuhlbaghia – Society Garlic propagation
- Divide Tuhlbaghia or sow seed in spring.
Tuhlbaghia – Society Garlic varieties to grow
- ‘Silver Lace’ has white-striped leaves.
