Overview
Tulbaghia violacea is a plant with a tufted habit in the genus Tulbaghia, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. 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.
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
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
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Tulbaghia violacea
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
More in the Tulbaghia genus
- Tulbaghiasociety garlic

- 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