Society Garlic, Pink Agapanthus (Tulbaghia violacea)
Features
Society Garlic is a “cousin” to true garlic and is best grown for its ornamental value rather than for culinary use. The foliage has a fragrance similar to that of onions or garlic but its flavor is disappointing and there is some question as to whether it’s really safe for consumption. The plant forms a beautiful clump that adds nice form and structure to the garden. Large umbels of lilac flowers produced in summer are very showy.
Uses
Wonderful for mixed borders and rock gardens. Perfect for all kinds of containers. Outstanding for planting near walkways, decks and patios where scent can be enjoyed.
Plant Feed
Annually with organic matter.
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist.
Soil
Fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil.
Basic Care Summary
Best in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Keep soil moist throughout growth and bloom season. Remove faded flowers for best display. Protect from excessive winter moisture.
Planting Instructions
Perennials can be planted anytime from spring through fall.
Watering Instructions
New plantings should be watered daily for a couple of weeks. After that, depending on the weather and soil type, watering may be adjusted to every two or three days. Clay soils hold moisture longer than sandy soils, so expect to water more frequently in sandy settings.
Different plants have different water needs. Some plants prefer staying on the dry side, others, like to be consistently moist. Refer to the plant label to check a plant’s specific requirements.
Ideally water should only be applied to the root zone – an area roughly 6-12” (15-30cm) from the base of the plant, not the entire plant. A soaker hose is a great investment for keeping plants healthy and reducing water lost through evaporation. Hand watering using a watering wand with a sprinkler head attached is also a good way to control watering. If the garden area is large, and a sprinkler is necessary, try to water in the morning so that plant foliage has time to dry through the day. Moist foliage encourages disease and mold that can weaken or damage plants.
Thoroughly soaking the ground up to 8” (20 cm) every few days is better than watering a little bit daily. Deep watering encourages roots to grow further into the ground resulting in a sturdier plant with more drought tolerance.
To check for soil moisture, use your finger or a small trowel to dig in and examine the soil. If the first 2-4” (5-10cm) of soil is dry, it is time to water.
Pruning Instructions
Depending on the flowering habit, snip off faded blooms individually, or wait until the blooming period is over and remove entire flower stalk down to the base of the plant. Removing old flower stems keeps the plant’s energy focused on vigorous growth instead of seed production. Foliage can be pruned freely through the season to remove damaged or discolored leaves, or to maintain plant size.
Do not prune plants after September 1st. Pruning stimulates tender new growth that will damage easily when the first frosts arrive. Perennial plants need time to prepare for winter, or “harden off”. Once plants have died to the ground they are easy to clean up by simply cutting back to about 4” (10cm) above the ground.
The flowering plumes and foliage of ornamental grasses create a beautiful feature in the winter landscape. Leave the entire plant for the winter and cut it back to the ground in early spring, just before new growth starts.
Perennials should be dug up and divided every 3-4 years. This stimulates healthy new growth, encourages future blooming, and provides new plants to expand the garden or share with gardening friends.
Fertilizing Instuctions
Incorporate fertilizer into the soil when preparing beds for new plants. Established plants should be fed in early spring, then again halfway through the growing season. Avoid applying fertilizer late in the growing season. This stimulates new growth that can be easily damaged by early frosts.
Fertilizers are available in many forms: granulated, slow-release, liquid feeds, organic or synthetic. Determine which application method is best for the situation and select a product with a nutritional balance designed to encourage blooming (such as 5-10-5).
Reduce the need to fertilize in general by applying a 1-2” (3-5cm) layer of mulch or compost annually. As mulch breaks down it supplies nutrients to the plants and improves the overall soil condition at the same time.
Plant Details
| Category | Perennial |
| Height Range | 18-24″ |
| Height Metric Range | 46-61cm |
| Space Range | 10-12″ |
| Space Metric Range | 25-30cm |
| Available Colors | Lilac |
| Companion Plants | Agapanthus, Daylily, Verbascum |
| Lowest Temperature | 0° to 10°F |
| Lowest Temperature Metric | -18° to -12°C |
| Bloom Time | Midsummer to autumn |
| Plant Light | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone | 7, 8, 9, 10 |