Alba Society Garlic

Alba Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea 'Alba') is an evergreen, clumping perennial with blue-green strappy leaves and airy white flowers through the warmer months. It stays neat at up to 40cm tall and only 20cm wide, which makes it one of the easiest ways to edge a path or driveway. It is an ornamental lily relative of garlic, and crushed leaves smell strongly of it.

Why you'll love it

• All-white flowers. Clean white blooms add a light, delicate touch to a mixed border or an all-green garden.
• Evergreen strappy foliage. Blue-green leaves hold their shape all year, so the planting never looks empty.
• Frost and drought tolerant. Once established it handles cold snaps and dry spells, though it thrives in moister conditions too.
• Narrow and tidy. At 20cm wide it fits tight edges and narrow beds without spreading.
• Easy to divide. A crowded clump divides in spring, giving you more plants from the one you bought.

Where it works best

Path and driveway edging. Plant 25cm apart in a single row for a continuous, elegant line of leaves and flowers.

Borders and groundcover mixes. Weave it among low groundcovers to add height and white flowers.

Rockeries. The neat clumps sit well among stones and in dry, sunny pockets.

Pots on a sunny patio. It suits container planting, and the airy flowers show off at eye level.

Growing Alba Society Garlic in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It copes with frost and drought, so it suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens alike.

Soil. Most garden soils. It tolerates dry ground but thrives in moister conditions, so a layer of mulch helps.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, around 12 weeks. Fertilise in spring.

Pruning. Little is needed. In spring, divide and replant congested clumps to let the plant develop. Society garlic can upset the stomach of dogs and cats if eaten, so site it with that in mind.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Alba Society Garlic as tube stock and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly and is the economical choice for a long edge. The 140mm pots give a path edging more presence in its first season. Plants travel upright and settle within a few weeks.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Grasses and strappy leaf plants
• Drought tolerant plants
• Plants for rockeries
• The perfect edging plants for your garden

Common questions

Does it really smell of garlic?

Yes, when the leaves are crushed or cut. The smell is mild unless the foliage is bruised, and many gardeners enjoy it near a path.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Society garlic can upset the stomach of dogs and cats if eaten, so it is not ideal where pets chew plants.

How far apart should I plant it for an edge?

Plant 25cm apart in a single row. The clumps are narrow at about 20cm wide, so this spacing gives a continuous line within a season or two.