Society Garlic Tulbaghia 'Fairy Star'
ABOUT
The 'Fairy Star' is a visually charming plant characterized by its graceful foliage and delightful flowers. It presents a dense clump of slender, strap-like leaves that are a fresh green in color, emitting a typical onion-like fragrance when crushed. The standout feature of this plant is undoubtedly its delicate flowers. Each bloom has a distinct shape, comprised of six narrow petals arranged in a star-like pattern. The petals are typically a soft lilac or pale purple shade, often with a more intense purplish hue towards the edges, and may have a faint, silvery shimmer that contributes to its 'fairy' moniker. The flowers are borne on slender, leafless stalks that emerge from the base of the plant, elevating the flowers above the foliage in an airy display. These stalks are topped with clusters of the star-shaped blossoms which tend to face upwards, creating an umbrella-like effect. In the center of each flower, there are prominent stamens that add a decorative contrast, usually showing off a different color such as a greenish-yellow that stands out against the purple petals. Fairy Star blooms over a long period, often from late spring through to the first frosts, providing a long-lasting and enchanting display in the garden. Even when not in bloom, the plant maintains a neat and attractive appearance thanks to its evergreen foliage which forms a lush ground cover. This plant is not only notable for its ornamental qualities but also for its resilience, being hardy and easy to grow, which endears it to gardeners of various skill levels.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Fairy Star Garlic, Sweet Garlic, Society Garlic
Common names
Tulbaghia 'Fairy Star'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as society garlic is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities can vary, and some people might experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort or an allergic reaction if they ingest parts of the plant or handle it.
To pets
Society garlic is also considered non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Nonetheless, it's still advisable to prevent pets from ingesting the plant, as it could potentially cause mild stomach upset in some animals due to individual sensitivities or as a result of ingesting a non-typical food source.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Tulbaghia 'Fairy Star' requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those new to gardening.
- Drought Tolerant: This plant can endure periods of dry weather, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pest Resistance: Naturally resistant to many common pests, Tulbaghia 'Fairy Star' often requires less pesticide use.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With attractive flowers and foliage, it adds visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Tulbaghia 'Fairy Star' attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, helping to support the local ecosystem.
- Compact Size: Its small size makes it suitable for container gardening or small garden spaces.
- Edging Plant: Due to its clumping nature, it is ideal for use as an edging plant along borders or walkways.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Tulbaghia 'Fairy Star', also known as society garlic, can be utilized as an underplanting for roses to help deter aphids without the use of chemical repellents.
- The strong garlic scent of society garlic makes it a natural deterrent for moles and voles when planted in clusters around susceptible areas of the garden.
- Planting society garlic along pathways and borders can serve as a living insect-repellant barrier, warding off mosquitoes and other flying insects.
- Society garlic can be used in companion planting with vegetables to mask their scent and help protect them from harmful pests.
- Incorporate society garlic in ornamental pots and containers to provide a decorative yet functional pest-repellant for patios and entryways.
- The plant can be dried and used in potpourris for a subtle garlic scent, providing an earthy aroma to your home environment.
- Used in mound planting, society garlic's roots help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion with its dense matting root system.
- The leaves of society garlic can be woven or braided to create organic, biodegradable garden ties for supporting other plants.
- When planted in a vegetable garden, society garlic can enhance the flavor profile of tomatoes and peppers due to its aromatic influence.
- By planting society garlic within a chicken run, it can aid in controlling external parasites that often bother poultry without harsh chemicals.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Tulbaghia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Tulbaghia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Affection: Tulbaghia, commonly known as society garlic, often symbolizes love and affection due to its delicate, star-shaped flowers that create an intimate and endearing visual appeal.
- Protection: The plant's pungent garlic-like scent is believed to offer protection by repelling pests and unwanted creatures, thus symbolizing safeguarding and warding off evil.
- Healing: Society garlic has been used traditionally in folk medicine, suggesting its symbolic meaning of healing and health.
- Survival: This hardy plant can thrive in a variety of conditions, symbolizing adaptability and the strength to overcome adversity.
- Eternal Bonds: With its perennial nature, society garlic symbolizes enduring relationships and the unbreakable bonds we form in life.
WaterThe society garlic requires moderate watering, ensuring the soil is slightly moist but not waterlogged. It is best to water the plant deeply once every week, using about one gallon of water per session for a medium-sized plant. During the growing season in spring and summer, the frequency may increase depending on the humidity and temperature, while in winter, watering should be reduced as the plant goes dormant. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering times to prevent overwatering.
LightSociety garlic thrives best in full sun to partial shade locations. The ideal spot would offer at least six hours of direct sunlight daily while providing some relief during the hottest part of the day. This plant adapts to various lighting conditions but will bloom more profusely with adequate sun exposure.
TemperatureSociety garlic prefers temperatures between 50°F and 90°F for optimal growth. It can tolerate temperatures down to around 20°F but should be protected from frost. The ideal temperature range is between 70°F and 85°F for the majority of the year.
PruningPruning society garlic is essential to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Trim back the foliage in early spring to remove any dead or damaged leaves and spent flower stalks. This plant doesn’t need heavy pruning, so it's sufficient to prune once a year, typically at the end of the dormant season or early spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Society Garlic 'Fairy Star' is well-draining and fertile, with a mix of garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure optimal growth.
RepottingSociety Garlic 'Fairy Star' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. A larger pot will encourage growth and prevent overcrowding of the tubers.
Humidity & MistingSociety Garlic 'Fairy Star' prefers moderate to high humidity levels, but is quite adaptable. Ensure the area is well-ventilated to prevent rot and fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Society Garlic 'Fairy Star' in bright, indirect light inside.
Outdoor
Grow Society Garlic 'Fairy Star' in full sun to partial shade outside.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Society Garlic 'Fairy Star' begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil conditions, typically in spring or early summer. After germination, the seedlings develop into small plants with strap-like leaves. As the plants mature, they form clumps and the leaves grow longer, while the roots develop into a bulb-like structure. During the flowering stage, typically in summer to fall, they produce delicate star-shaped flowers atop tall, slender stems. After pollination, the flowers may produce small seed capsules, which when mature, release seeds to start the next generation. Eventually, older plants may become less vigorous, at which point they can be divided to rejuvenate them and propagate new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Tulbaghia 'Fairy Star', commonly known as Society Garlic, can be effectively propagated through division of its clumps. This method is most favorable during late winter or early spring, just before the new growth starts. To propagate Society Garlic by division, carefully dig up an established clump and gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the roots attached. Plant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate room for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This straightforward approach allows gardeners to quickly increase their stock of Society Garlic while preserving the characteristics of the parent plant.
