Tulbaghia violacea is a clump-forming perennial with a strong garlic smell, earning it its American common name of society garlic. The smell comes from the crushed leaves or flower stems, making it unsuitable for use as a cut flower. However, apart from the garlic smell, the plant is worth growing for its beautiful large heads of lavender blooms held on tall stems from midsummer to early autumn.
Tulbaghia 'Purple Eye' is a narrow leaved tulbaghia, bearing starry lilac flowers with a deeper purple centre. The flowers are smaller than those of Tulbaghia violacea. It’s perfect for growing in pots or at the front or a sunny, sheltered border.
For best results grow Tulbaghia 'Purple Eye' in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. In colder regions plants may need protection from frost – alternatively grow in containers which you can move indoors in autumn.
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Tulbaghia ‘Purple eye’ and wildlife
Tulbaghia ‘Purple eye’ is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
