Society Garlic – Tulbaghia violacea (Edible Flowering Perennial, Live Plants)

Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) is a charming, do-it-all perennial that earns a spot in flower beds, herb gardens, and water-wise landscapes alike. It forms tidy clumps of slender, grass-like blue-gray foliage that releases a mild garlic scent when brushed, and from summer into fall it sends up airy clusters of lilac-pink, star-shaped flowers on tall stalks. As a result, tough, long-blooming, and famously deer- and pest-resistant, Society Garlic also doubles as an edible herb, since its leaves and flowers add a gentle garlic-onion flavor to the kitchen.

Why Grow Society Garlic?

• Long bloom season – airy clusters of lilac-pink, star-shaped flowers from summer well into fall.
• Edible & aromatic – both leaves and flowers are edible with a mild garlic flavor, so you can chop the leaves like chives or use the blooms as a pretty garnish.
• Deer, rabbit & pest resistant – the garlicky scent keeps deer, rabbits, and most pests away, making it a natural companion plant.
• Tough & drought-tolerant – also thrives on heat, sun, and neglect once established, and it is moderately salt-tolerant for coastal gardens too.
• Pollinator-friendly – especially good for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which the flowers draw in.

Looking for more flowering and border plants? Browse our Flowering Plants and Groundcovers & Border Plants collections.

Plant Specifications at a Glance

• Botanical name: Tulbaghia violacea (society garlic, pink agapanthus, wild garlic)
• Plant type: Evergreen, clumping flowering perennial / edible herb (grows from rhizomes)
• Plant family: Amaryllidaceae (the onion family, though not a true Allium)
• Mature size: foliage about 12 inches tall and wide, with flower stalks reaching up to 24 inches
• Foliage: Narrow, grass-like, blue-gray leaves with a mild garlic scent when bruised
• Flowers: Clusters (umbels) of lilac-pink, star-shaped flowers
• Notable traits: Edible leaves & flowers; deer-, rabbit-, and pest-resistant; drought- and salt-tolerant; pollinator-friendly
• Cold Hardiness Zones: 7–10

Society Garlic Care & Growing Guide

Society garlic thrives on very little care. Follow these guidelines:

• Sunlight: Full sun for the best, most abundant flowering. It also tolerates light shade. However, it blooms less there.
• Water: Water regularly to establish, and more often in extreme heat. Once mature, it is very drought-tolerant, so let the top inch or two of soil dry between waterings. However, avoid soggy soil, which can rot the roots.
• Soil: Adapts to most soils, though it prefers well-drained, slightly acidic ground.
• Cold Hardiness Zone: 7–10. It tolerates light frost. However, in colder areas, mulch well or grow in containers and overwinter indoors.
• Upkeep: Remove spent flower stalks and tidy old foliage to keep it neat and encourage rebloom. In addition, divide clumps every few years.

Good to know: the leaves and flowers are edible with a mild garlic flavor, but, as with garlic and onions, they are best enjoyed in moderation.

Ways to Use Society Garlic in the Landscape

This tough, edible perennial fits beds, pots, and herb gardens. Popular uses for Society Garlic include:

• Borders, edging, and mass plantings
• Also herb, sensory, and kitchen gardens
• Rock gardens, xeriscapes, and water-wise beds
• Similarly, containers and patio pots
• Companion planting to help deter pests, plus coastal gardens

It pairs beautifully with other sun-loving, clumping perennials. For example, gardeners often combine it with the blue-flowered Blue Agapanthus, the yellow Yellow African Iris, or grassy Liriope for contrast in color and texture.

What You’ll Receive

These are live Society Garlic starter plants, grown and shipped by Carlo’s Plant Farm. Each plant is less than 12 inches tall when we ship it. The listing photos show mature plants of the same species. That way, you can see how yours will look as they grow and bloom. Finally, choose your preferred bundle size using the options above.

Also, due to different state laws, we reserve the right to charge extra fees where necessary to comply.

Ordering, Shipping & Returns

Every order ships free and is insured against loss or damage in transit. For full details on how we pack and send your plants, processing and delivery times, and what to do in the rare case of a problem, please review our Shipping Policy and Terms & Conditions before purchasing. By placing an order, you agree to those terms.

Society Garlic FAQ

Growing & Care Questions

Edible Use, Hardiness & Shipping Questions