Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Society Garlic

Q. A friend said she has a plant called Society Garlic but it is not edible. Is she right?

A. Yes, it is not even a garlic, just has an aroma reminiscent of it.

Society Garlic
Tulbaghia violacea "Variegata", Zones 7-10
Family: Liliaceae
Relatives: Agapanthus and Liriope
Type of plant: Evergreen grass like clumping perennial
Native habitat: South Africa
Size: Up to two feet high.
Foliage: Erect linear leaves that number 8 to 20 leaves, 12 inches long, and 1/8-inch wide.
Flowers: Fragrant lavender cluster flowers on 1- to 2-foot stems produced in the spring and summer.
Light requirements: Full sun
Soil requirements: Light sandy soil
Propagation: Division
Pests: None
Landscape Uses: Effective edge and border plant, also as a ground cover planting.

Cultural practices: Once established, fertilize on same schedule as any new shrub planting, three times per year. A slow-release nitrogen and potassium source is recommended.

It is also called sweet garlic or pink agapanthus--for an easy-care perennial. This plant produces pinkish lavender flowers that have a very garlicky aroma. Bloom period is midsummer to early fall.