Description
Tulbaghia –
There are about 24 clump forming, mainly deciduous, rhizomatous, tuberous, or cormous perennials in this genus. They naturally occur in various habitats in tropical and temperate South Africa. They produce basal, strap shaped to linear, hairless, sometimes gray green leaves which smell of onion or garlic , other smell pleasantly of hyacinths. Umbels of dainty, usually purple or white flowers, sometimes fragrant, especially at night, are borne over a long period between late spring and autumn. The flowers are tubular, each with 6 spreading tepals and a small, trumpet like corona. Grow in a sunny border or rock garden.
Grow in well drained, moderately fertile, humus rich, loamy soil in full sun. Protect from cold, wet winds, water should be with held once flowers appear. Divide in spring.
Prone to aphids, whiteflies, root rots, leaf spots, and Southern blight.
T. violacea ‘Silver Lace’ – T. violacea ‘Variegata’ – Pink agapanthus – Society Garlic – Sweet Garlic – This robust, clump forming perennial with corm like rhizomes from South Africa grows 18-30″ tall. It produces narrowly linear, grayish green leaves with white edges, to 12″ long. Large, terminal umbels of garlic like odor, deep lilac to white flowers, 1 1/2″ long are produced sporadically between mid spring and late autumn. Thrives in dry or wet summer climates. Said to be a good mole deterrent.
Zones 7-10
