Tulbaghia violacea

Description: A clump-forming bulbous plant with long, narrow, strap-like, leaves which smell strongly of garlic when bruised. Pinkish mauve, tubular onion like flowers on tall stalks over a long period in summer from mid-summer to early autumn are very pretty. Ideal for using as an edging plant, along a pathway,in a rockery and can also be mass planted to form a ground cover, in sunny or partially shaded positions. This is a popular garden plant that is useful for difficult hot corners of the garden as it will tolerate prolonged drought.

Climate/Position: Full sun

Height/Spread: 55cm x 20cm

Soil Requirements: grows very easily in most soil Well drained light soil

Pruning:

Special Requirements:

Tulbaghia is named after Ryk Tulbagh (died 1771), governor of the Cape of Good Hope .

Violacea means violet-coloured.

Most of the species of Tulbaghia are adapted for moth pollination and have dull flowers that become sweetly scented at night. T. violacea seems likely to be pollinated by butterflies and bees as they are scented during the day.