🌸 Society Garlic

Tulbaghia violacea

Society Garlic is a hardy perennial that adds color, texture, and fragrance to Florida landscapes. Known for its clumping growth, strappy leaves, and clusters of lavender-purple flowers, it blooms nearly year-round in warm climates. Heat- and drought-tolerant once established, it’s a low-maintenance favorite for borders, accents, and pollinator gardens.

🌸 Flowers & Foliage

• Foliage: Narrow, grass-like gray-green leaves with a mild garlic scent

• Flowers: Star-shaped lavender-purple blooms in clusters, most abundant spring–fall

• Habit: Clumping perennial with upright, strappy foliage and flower stalks

🌱 Plant Details

• Type: Perennial flowering plant

• Mature Size: 12–18 in. tall × 12–18 in. wide

• Growth Habit: Clumping; spreads slowly by rhizomes

• Exposure: Full sun to light shade

• Soil: Well-drained; tolerates sandy and poor soils

• Water Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 7–11 (thrives in Central Florida)

• Maintenance: Very low; occasional cleanup of spent flower stalks

🌟 Why We Love It

• Blooms nearly year-round in Florida’s climate

• Fragrant foliage and flowers repel some pests

• Drought tolerant and easy to grow

• Attracts bees and butterflies

🌼 Landscape Uses

• Borders and edging along walkways or driveways

• Rock gardens or xeriscapes

• Containers and mixed beds

• Pollinator and butterfly gardens

⚠️ Plant Notes

• Leaves release garlic fragrance when crushed

• Deadhead old flower stalks to encourage new blooms

• Not invasive; stays in tidy clumps

✅ Level To Leaf Tip: Plant Society Garlic in clusters of 3–5 along borders for a soft, flowering edge that looks great against darker shrubs and provides color almost year-round.