Overview
Tulbaghia is a tufted herbaceous perennial in the genus Tulbaghia, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with grey silver green foliage. Tulbaghia grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, rock garden and flower borders and beds.
About
Tulbaghia, commonly called society garlic, is a tufted herbaceous perennial in the Amaryllidaceae with silver-green leaves and a clumping habit. It flowers in umbels from June to September. Plant it in a sunny, well-drained site and choose a south- or west-facing, sheltered position. Its H3 rating means it is borderline hardy in the UK and benefits from protection in the coldest gardens.
About the genus
Tulbaghia is a genus of monocotyledonous herbaceous perennial bulbs native to Africa, belonging to the amaryllis family. It is the sole genus in the tribe Tulbaghieae, which in the onion subfamily.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Tulbaghia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Tulbaghia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Grey Silver Green
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Tulbaghia
- Propagation
- Seed, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Tulbaghia?
Tulbaghia prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Tulbaghia need?
Tulbaghia grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Tulbaghia hardy in the UK?
Tulbaghia has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Tulbaghia?
Seed, Division in spring.
More in the Tulbaghia genus
- Tulbaghia violacea
- Tulbaghia violacea 'John Rider'
- Tulbaghia violacea 'Peppermint Garlic'
- Tulbaghia 'Cariad'society garlic 'Cariad'
- Tulbaghia 'Elaine Ann'society garlic 'Elaine Ann'
- Tulbaghia 'Scented Beauty'society garlic 'Scented Beauty'
- Tulbaghia maritima white floweredwhite-flowered sea society garlic
- Tulbaghia natalensis white-flowered