Tulbaghia 'Purple Eye' (Society Garlic)


Botanical Information

FamilyAlliaceae
GenusTulbaghia
Cultivar'Purple Eye'
CategoryBulbs, Perennials, Tropicals

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone7 - 10
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7 - H2
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMay, June, July, August

Description and Growing Information

General Description'Purple Eye' is a clump-forming, rhizomatous, deciduous to semi-evergreen perennial with linear, grey-green leaves and, from spring to autumn, terminal umbels of pale pink to pale violet flowers with dark purple centres.
ID CharacteristicA clump-forming perennial with a strong garlic smell.
ShapeClump-forming.
LandscapePatio and container plants.
PropagationBy division in spring.
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. In colder regions plants may need protection from frost.
PestsSusceptible to aphids and whiteflies.
Notable SpecimensGlendurgan Garden, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
Leaf DescriptionLong, narrow, grey-green foliage with an oniony-smell when crushed.
Flower DescriptionA tubular, with spreading petals giving a star-like effect, white or very pale purple with a mid-purple eye.
Colour DescriptionA narrow leaved tulbaghia, bearing starry lilac flowers with a deeper purple centre.

Photographs