Overview
Tulbaghia violacea is a tufted perennial in the genus Tulbaghia, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Tulbaghia violacea 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. It is native to Cape Provinces and KwaZulu-Natal.
About
Tulbaghia violacea, commonly known as society garlic, pink agapanthus, wild garlic, sweet garlic, spring bulbs, or spring flowers, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae. It is indigenous to southern Africa, and reportedly naturalized in Tanzania and Mexico.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Tulbaghia violacea
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. The genus was named for Ryk Tulbagh (1699–1771), one time governor of The Cape of Good Hope.
Wikipedia contributors, "Tulbaghia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Tulbaghia
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 violacea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Cape Provinces, KwaZulu-Natal
- Fragrance
- Garlic-like scent
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Tulbaghia violacea
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; can be grown in containers.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower stalks to encourage new blooms; cut back foliage in late winter if needed.
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Tulbaghia violacea?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; can be grown in containers.
Where is the best place to plant Tulbaghia violacea?
Tulbaghia violacea prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Tulbaghia violacea need?
Tulbaghia violacea grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Tulbaghia violacea?
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage new blooms; cut back foliage in late winter if needed.
How big does Tulbaghia violacea grow?
Tulbaghia violacea reaches a height of 0.3 m.
Is Tulbaghia violacea hardy in the UK?
Tulbaghia violacea 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 violacea?
Seed, Division.
