Society Garlic

Tulbaghia violacea

Water
Low to moderate water once established; water deeply, then let the upper few inches of soil dry. Irrigate more regularly during Phoenix summers for attractive foliage and continued flowering.
Description
A clump-forming perennial with narrow, grasslike leaves that smell of garlic when crushed and slender stalks bearing lavender flowers.
Bloom Time
Deciduous / Evergreen
Growth Rate
Growth Habit
Flower Color
Foliage Color
Toxicity
Toxic to pets if ingested in quantity (garlic-family compounds, GI upset); leaves/flowers edible to humans in small amounts
Care Instructions

Light: Full sun to partial shade; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in Phoenix, especially near heat-reflecting walls.

Water: Low to moderate water once established; water deeply, then let the upper few inches of soil dry. Irrigate more regularly during Phoenix summers for attractive foliage and continued flowering.

Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil; tolerates moderately alkaline soil. Avoid persistently wet soil and poorly drained clay.

Mature size: Foliage reaches 12–18 inches tall and wide; flower stalks rise 18–24 inches.

Bloom: Flowers intermittently from spring through fall; extreme summer heat may reduce flowering.

Evergreen / deciduous: Usually evergreen in Phoenix; freezing temperatures can damage foliage or cause temporary dieback.

Growth rate: Moderate.