Tulbaghia violacea 'Society Garlic'

Plant name: Society Garlic
Scientific name: Tulbaghia violacea

Plant description:
Society Garlic is a clump-forming perennial valued for its narrow, grass-like foliage and long-lasting clusters of lavender blooms. This adaptable plant creates upright tufts that add structure and movement to borders, pathways, and container arrangements. Its clean, architectural form pairs well with both contemporary and cottage-style plantings, providing texture without overwhelming surrounding plants. The foliage releases a mild garlic scent when crushed, contributing to its traditional use in ornamental herb gardens.

Flower description:
Umbels of star-shaped lavender to soft violet flowers rise above the foliage on slender stems throughout the warm growing season. Each bloom features delicate petals and a subtle fragrance that attracts pollinators. Flowering occurs in waves, creating repeated color accents over an extended period when plants receive adequate sunlight.

Leaf description:
Leaves are long, slender, and strap-like with a soft blue-green tone. The foliage grows in dense, upright clumps and maintains a tidy appearance with minimal care. When handled or trimmed, leaves release a light garlic aroma, which may help deter some browsing wildlife.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Evergreen to semi-evergreen in mild climates; may die back in colder conditions and return from the base.

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 7–10.

Mature height and width:
Typically grows 12–18 inches tall and 12–24 inches wide, forming slowly expanding clumps over time.

Landscape uses:
Suitable for edging walkways, lining garden beds, and adding vertical texture to mixed perennial plantings. Performs well in containers, herb-inspired landscapes, and pollinator gardens. Its upright habit makes it effective as a repeating accent that ties together layered planting designs.

Native range:
Native to southern Africa.

Sun exposure:
Thrives in full sun to light partial shade. Strong sunlight encourages sturdy stems and consistent flowering.

Water requirements:
Prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture during active growth. Once established, plants tolerate short dry spells but perform best with regular watering that allows soil to dry slightly between cycles.

Pests and problems:
Generally resistant to most pests and diseases. Poor drainage or excessive moisture can lead to root rot. Occasional leaf tip browning may occur during environmental stress but can be trimmed to maintain a neat appearance.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Handles warm temperatures and bright sun exposure well, maintaining strong foliage color and bloom production when planted in freely draining soil.

Cold tolerance:
Tolerates light frost and cool temperatures within its recommended zones. Extended freezing conditions may cause foliage dieback, with new growth emerging from the crown as temperatures warm.

Growing tips:
Plant in soil that drains quickly to prevent root issues and encourage healthy clump formation. Remove spent flower stems to promote additional blooms and maintain a tidy look. Dividing mature clumps every few years helps refresh growth and sustain flowering vigor. Applying a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring supports steady development and strong flowering performance.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.