Consulta Plantas

Care of the bulbous plant Tulbaghia violacea or Society garlic

The genus Tulbaghia, family Amaryllidaceae, comprises 30 species of bulbous herbaceous plants native to southern Africa. Some species are: Tulbaghia violacea, Tulbaghia tenuior, Tulbaghia leucantha, Tulbaghia alliacea, Tulbaghia affinis, Tulbaghia capensis.

Common names: Society garlic, Wild garlic. This species is native to South Africa and Zimbabwe.

They are bulbous plants that reach 50 cm (19.68") in height. They have fleshy, ribbon-shaped basal green leaves that give off a garlic smell if rubbed or cracked (used as a condiment). The tubular and perfumed flowers appear in umbels and are star-shaped with 6 petals; They can be white, purple or lilac. They bloom throughout the summer and fall.

These fast growing perennials are ideal for use in Mediterranean climate regions for slopes, edges, low hedges and in pots.

Tulbaghia violacea needs full sun or semi-shade exposure (they bloom less) and protected from the wind. They resist occasional frosts and the salinity of the sea.

They are fairly rustic plants that can grow in normal well-drained garden soil.

Water regularly so that the soil is always damp (never water), especially in summer; in winter reduce watering a lot.

Fertilize with compost in the fall.

They are plants resistant to pests and diseases; it can be attacked by snails if there is excess humidity.

They are propagated by division in the fall or spring.

Images of the bulbous plant Tulbaghia violacea or Society garlic