Tulbaghia Violacea Variegated

Variegated Society Garlic

Botanical Name: Tulbaghia violacea (Variegated)
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Origin: Southern Africa
Plant Type: Clumping evergreen perennial (strappy)

Overview

A sun-tough, water-wise edger for Adelaide gardens, variegated society garlic forms neat clumps of blue-green leaves edged cream, topped for months with lavender-pink star flowers. Brush past and you’ll catch its signature garlic scent—brilliant for sensory gardens, low-water borders and statement pots.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 30-45 cm H x 30-50 cm W; 40-60cm H in flower
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Narrow, strappy blue-green leaves with creamy margins; tidy, upright clumps
• Flowers: Lavender-pink, star-shaped umbels on wiry stems late spring through autumn (heaviest in heat)
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen clumps with a very long warm-season bloom; winter foliage persists in mild SA conditions
• Wildlife Value: Good for pollinators—nectar for bees and butterflies
• Tolerance: Drought, heat, wind & coastal tolerant once established; light frost may nip tips (quick to reshoot); copes with lean, sandy soils; avoid waterlogging
• Planting Density: Edging: 3–5 plants per linear metre; Mass: 6–9 plants/m² for fast cover
• Pet Friendly: Generally non-toxic; ingestion may cause mild tummy upset—discourage chewing

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (more sun = more flowers & tighter clumps)
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; thrives in raised beds and containers
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer (more in heatwaves/containers); rarely in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Deadhead to extend flowering; shear/back-cut late winter to refresh; divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigour; feed lightly in early spring (too much N = leafy, fewer flowers)
• Lifespan: 10–20+ years (clumps long-lived with periodic division)
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to mildly alkaline; happy on Adelaide’s limestone

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Knife-neat edging along drives and paths
• Mass plant in gravel/Mediterranean schemes with olives, westringia and blue chalk sticks
• Containers for patios and pool surrounds; place near seating for the subtle floral scent

Why You Will Love It

A low-water, long-flowering star that stays neat and colourful all year. Variegated foliage brightens hot, dry spots, the gentle garlic fragrance adds sensory appeal, and the plant thrives exactly where many others struggle—perfect for Adelaide gardens.