With its garlic scent and delicate flowers, Society Garlic (Tulbagia violacea) is a popular choice for the easy care gardener. Not only do they tolerate periods of neglect, they are tolerant of the heat and salt sprays. They come to life in summer when their delicate mauve-pink flowers appear high above their grey-green foliage. Great for use as borders, near walkways or those really neglected areas in the garden.


How to grow society garlic in a garden

  1. Choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun to part shade that has well-drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed.
  2. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
  3. Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut-shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.
  4. Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, woodchip or pea straw, keeping it away from the base of the plant.
  5. Feed regularly during the warmer months with Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Granular Plant Food. TIP: For an added boost, apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.

     

How to grow society garlic in a pot

  1. Choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun to shade that has well-drained soil.
  2. Fill the chosen pots with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.
  3. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots. 
  4. Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.
  5. Feed regularly during the growing and flowering season with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food. TIP: For an added boost, apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.

Growing tips

  • Great plant for borders, around swimming pools or for exposed areas.
  • Can tolerate light frosts but prefer to be protected in the colder months. Applications of mulch will protect the main rhizome from frosts.
  • Remove spent flowers to improve the appearance of the plant.
  • Society garlic responds well to a hard prune in spring. 
  • The leaves and flowers are edible and are said to leave no tell tale odours on the breath.
  • Tulbaghia ‘Fairy Star’ is a dainty variety that produces tiny pink flowers during summer.

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Freesia

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Flax

Flax (Phormium spp.) are highly versatile plants which can grow well in swampy or dry conditions. Great for large pots or en-masse in garden beds.

Recommended products

Yates Premium Potting Mix

A premium potting mix, ideal for all potted plants and shrubs, including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegies and herbs.