Variegated Society Garlic

Looking rather like a refined agapanthus, Tulbaghia violacea Variegata is a clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial. It forms a foot-high (30cm) clump of grassy leaves, blue-green edged with creamy-white, giving a bright, airy appearance. The foliage smells strongly of garlic if brushed against. In August and September, tall stems bear pretty, delicate umbels of lilac-coloured flowers, tubular, flaring to a starry mouth; they are attractive to bees. Variegated society garlic is not for cold areas, but in mild areas may survive winter if planted in the shelter of a warm wall and given a deep dry mulch. It can also be grown in pots brought into a frost-free greenhouse for the winter.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any light, well-drained soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Late summer to early autumn in particular
Hardiness: Half-hardy
Height: 1-2’ (30-60cm); Spread: 10” (25cm)