Society Garlic

A cluster of light purple five-petaled flowers

Photo by C. Wildes.

Gild garlic is a groundcover that produces delicate, star-shaped purple flowers. These perennial plants abound to about a human foot tall and are wonderful in borders or mass plantings.

Native to the rocky grasslands in eastern Southward Africa, society garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) is really not in the aforementioned genus as garlic and onions, which are in the Allium genus. They are however in the same establish family as onion. The common name "society garlic" comes from the old rumor that this plant tastes like garlic without leading to bad jiff.

Characteristics

Society garlic is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with narrow, grass-like green leaves and clusters of minor lilac flowers. Leaves attain almost a foot tall and flowers rise up on stalks about two feet alpine. The tubular flowers open at the finish to await similar six pointed stars.

Varieties include 'Silver Lace', besides chosen 'Variegata', which has larger flowers and cream striped leaves; 'Tricolor' has pink and white variegations.

Tolerant of both cold and drought, this institute grows in zones 8 to 10 and flowers in warm months. The leaves smell of garlic when disturbed, so keep this in mind when selecting a location for planting. Having society garlic in a loftier traffic surface area may be visually attractive, but unless you lot like the constant aroma of garlic every fourth dimension the plant is brushed against, this placement is not ideal. On the brighter side, it's also resistant to deer damage.

The rhizomes and leaves are edible and tin can be used in dishes the same fashion that garlic or garlic chives are used. Flowers are also edible and tin can be used as a delicate garnish.

Planting and Care

Society garlic is great for a sunny, water-wise garden. This easy-to-abound plant prefers sandy soil, and performs best in terms of flowering with total dominicus; it tin be grown in partial shade merely it will not flower well. Plants thrive with regular watering during the growing season, less frequent watering when flowering, and reduced watering during the wintertime dormant menses. Established plants will be able to survive extended droughts when necessary. Society garlic tin tolerate moderate frosts and light freezes.

Grasslike clumps of society garlic

Photo by C. Wildes.

You can propagate your plants easily by dividing the clumps while the plant is dormant. When grown outdoors, plants spread slowly by rhizomes but are not considered aggressive.

Gild garlic is also corking for growing in containers nevertheless it will notwithstanding need bright sunlight for best results.

For more information on society garlic, contact your county Extension office.

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