Society Garlic

Society Garlic, scientifically known as Tulbaghia violacea, is a charming and versatile evergreen perennial, highly valued for its grass-like foliage and delicate, long-lasting blooms. Despite its common name, it is not a true garlic (Allium) but belongs to the Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). This resilient plant is native to the rocky grasslands and coastal areas of eastern South Africa, where it thrives in full sun to partial shade and a wide range of well-drained soils. In the landscape of Phoenix, Arizona, Society Garlic is a ubiquitous and highly successful plant, performing exceptionally well in the intense heat and sun, providing continuous color and a unique sensory experience. As a long-lived perennial, it can easily persist for 10 years or more, forming expanding clumps over time.

Its most distinctive characteristics include its clump-forming habit of narrow, strap-shaped, blue-gray to green, grass-like leaves, typically reaching about 1 foot in height. When bruised or crushed, the foliage emits a distinctive garlic-like scent, which is often appreciated for its pest-deterring properties (like deer and rabbits) but might be a consideration for planting in high-traffic areas. The true charm of Society Garlic lies in its delicate, star-shaped, lilac-pink to lavender-purple flowers that are borne in loose clusters atop slender stalks, which rise above the foliage, reaching about 1-2 feet tall. These charming blooms appear almost continuously from early spring through fall and often year-round in very mild climates like Phoenix, adding a soft, airy touch and subtle movement to the garden. While the flowers themselves have a very mild, sweet, almost garlic-free scent, the foliage odor is more potent. Society Garlic is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal water, and is known for its resilience to heat, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, borders, mass plantings, containers, and herb gardens. Its low maintenance, pest resistance, and ability to provide consistent color make it a superb addition to any sunny, low-water landscape.