Purple Eye Society Garlic

Purple Eye Society Garlic (Tulbaghia 'Purple Eye') is an evergreen perennial with fine grey-green leaves and starry pale purple flowers, each with a darker purple centre, from spring to autumn. It grows up to 50cm tall and wide, with foliage much thinner than common society garlic. The leaves are aromatic when crushed, and like chives, the leaves and flowers can be eaten.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers from spring to autumn. Clusters of pale lilac stars with darker purple centres sit on long, slender stems above the foliage for most of the year.
• Fine, grassy foliage. The grey-green leaves are noticeably thinner than those of the violacea form, so the clump looks light and airy.
• Edible leaves and flowers. Snip them into salads as you would chives or spring onions.
• Hardy and drought tolerant. Once established it needs little attention, though it grows even better with some moisture.
• Easy to multiply. Divide the rhizomes in spring and plant the pieces elsewhere.

Where it works best

Mixed flowering borders. Plant 40cm apart in a row or in small groups. At up to 50cm wide the clumps meet within a season or two, and the airy flowers blend with almost any neighbour.

Vegetable garden edges. It makes a pretty, edible border around vegetable beds, and the flowers draw the eye to the produce.

Groundcover and rockeries. The same 40cm spacing gives a low drift beneath taller plants, and the neat clumps suit sunny rockery pockets.

Pots and containers. It grows well in a pot by the kitchen door, where you can pick a few leaves as you need them.

Growing Purple Eye Society Garlic in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. It is hardy and drought tolerant, so it suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and arid or semi-arid gardens. In the coldest southern gardens choose a sunny, sheltered spot.

Soil. Most garden soils. It will thrive in moist conditions but copes with drier ground once its roots are down.

Water and feed. Mulch the bed and water regularly for around 12 weeks while the plant establishes. Feed in spring.

Pruning and dividing. Remove tired leaves as needed. In spring, divide the clump to give the plant better access to nutrients and replant the rhizomes elsewhere. Eaten in quantity, society garlic can upset the stomach of dogs and cats, so site it with pets in mind.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Purple Eye 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 it is the economical choice for a long border. The 140mm pots give a bed more presence in its first season. Plants travel upright and settle within a few weeks.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on the page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

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

• Edible plants and bush tucker
• Grasses and strappy leaf plants
• Plants that thrive in pots
• How to create a cottage garden in Australia

Common questions

Can I really eat it?

Yes, the leaves and flowers are edible and can stand in for chives or spring onions in salads. Pick from plants you have not sprayed, and expect a garlic scent.

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 40cm apart for a continuous edge or drift. The plant reaches up to 50cm wide, so the clumps touch and form one flowering mass.

Is it safe for pets?

No. It is edible for people, but society garlic can upset the stomach of dogs and cats if they eat it, so it is not ideal where pets chew plants.