Society garlic (wild garlic) Tulbaghia violacea
Society garlic (wild garlic) (Tulbaghia violacea) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Amaryllidaceae family, native to Eastern South Africa (Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo). It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -8 °C (18 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Society garlic (wild garlic) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -8 °C (18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 26–52 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves and flowers (garlic flavour) |
| Native to | Eastern South Africa (Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Society garlic (wild garlic) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, bulbs
Like onions and garlic it may harm cats and dogs if eaten in quantity.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Society garlic (wild garlic)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Society garlic (wild garlic)
- How far apart should I plant Society garlic (wild garlic)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Society garlic (wild garlic) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Society garlic (wild garlic) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Society garlic (wild garlic)?
- It tolerates about -8 °C (18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Society garlic (wild garlic) flower?
- About 26–52 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks.
- Is Society garlic (wild garlic) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Like onions and garlic it may harm cats and dogs if eaten in quantity.
- What grows well with Society garlic (wild garlic)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Society garlic (wild garlic). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A summer-dry plant: water it through its first summer, then rarely or never; it wants sun, lean soil and sharp drainage, and is killed by summer irrigation and heavy clay more often than by drought.
- Clumps of grey-green, garlic-scented leaves with heads of lilac star flowers on tall stems from spring to autumn; the leaves and flowers are eaten like chives. Said to repel moles and snakes, which is folklore (grade D).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Onion Allium cepa
- Daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus
- Garlic Allium sativum
- Leek Allium ampeloprasum (Porrum group)
- Chives Allium schoenoprasum
- Agapanthus Agapanthus praecox
- Ornamental allium Allium giganteum
- Shallot Allium cepa var. aggregatum