Society Garlic

Tulbaghia violacea

With beautiful lavender flower clusters, this species of society garlic was used for food and medicine by the indigenous Zulu tribes of South Africa. The flowers and leaves are garlic-scented and are used for their sweet garlic-onion taste. Legend has it that this plant is called “society garlic” because its garlic scent does not linger on the breath – being perfect for “high society.” Deer, fire, and drought tolerant, and somewhat gopher resistant.

Water: Moderate to Dry, but looks best with water

Hardiness: Frost tender, disappears in the Winter but recovers from its roots

Habit: Evergreen perennial 1 to 3' tall

Light: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil: Well-draining

Origin: Southern Africa (KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Province) where it grows along forest margins and stream banks

Additional Characteristics: Edible Flower, Deer Resistant

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Society Garlic