Society Garlic (Tulbaghia)

How to choose a society garlic

The standard Society Garlic is the workhorse: a neat clump of grey green leaves about 40 centimetres high, with mauve flowers rising above it to around 60 centimetres. It is the one to buy in number for long borders and mass planting. The Variegated Society Garlic and the Silver Lace Society Garlic have leaves striped or edged in cream, so the clump reads as silver from a distance and looks good even between flushes of flower. The Alba Society Garlic is the white flowered form, useful in a green and white scheme.

The Sweet Garlic is a different species with broader leaves and sweetly scented flowers, worth a spot near a path or doorway.

Where society garlic works

Society garlic grows across most of Australia, from the subtropics to cool temperate gardens. It wants full sun for the most flowers and will take light shade with a thinner display. It tolerates heat, wind, coastal conditions, poor soils and light to moderate frost, and it is among the more reliable flowering plants for hot paved areas, road verges and the edges of driveways.

Use it to edge paths, line garden beds, fill gaps between shrubs, or plant in drifts with other grasses and strappy leaf plants. It also works in pots. It combines well with other drought tolerant plants and is a staple among mass planting plants for low care landscapes. Keep in mind that the garlic scent is released when leaves are brushed or cut, so some gardeners prefer to keep it a step back from doors and seating.

Planting and spacing

Plant in a sunny position in well drained soil. Heavy clay should be raised or opened up with compost and coarse material, because the fleshy roots can rot in soil that stays wet. Space plants about 30 centimetres apart for a continuous border, or six to nine plants per square metre for mass planting. Water in well and mulch lightly.

Care basics

Water regularly for the first couple of months, then only in extended dry weather. Established clumps need very little. A light feed with a slow release fertiliser in spring is enough. Remove spent flower stems to keep the plant tidy and encourage more. If a clump looks tired after a few years, cut the foliage back hard in late winter and it will return fresh. Lift and divide crowded clumps in autumn or early spring to renew them and make more plants.

Common questions

When does society garlic flower?

Mainly from spring through summer and into autumn. In warm climates it can carry some flowers for much of the year.

Does society garlic really smell of garlic?

The leaves do when they are bruised, cut or brushed past. Left alone, the plant has little scent in the garden.

How far apart do I plant society garlic for a border?

About 30 centimetres apart. The clumps thicken and meet within a season or two.

Is society garlic frost hardy?

It tolerates light to moderate frost. Leaves may burn in a hard frost, but clumps usually recover in spring.