Society garlic Tulbaghia 'Purple Eye'
ABOUT
Tulbaghia 'Purple Eye', commonly known as society garlic or pink agapanthus, is an ornamental perennial plant. This variety is distinguished by its eye-catching, star-shaped flowers that boast a characteristic purple hue at the center, hence the name 'Purple Eye'. The delicate petals radiate from the central purple patch, typically a lighter shade, ranging from soft lavender to a more vivid pinkish-purple, creating a striking contrast. The foliage of society garlic resembles that of traditional garlic with slender, grass-like leaves. These leaves are glossy, arching, and emit a garlic-like fragrance when bruised or crushed. The plant forms a tight clump of these linear leaves, which creates a lush and full appearance. The flowers of Tulbaghia 'Purple Eye' are borne on thin, erect stems that rise above the foliage, allowing the blooms to sway gently in the breeze. Each stem usually carries a cluster of flowers, which form a rounded umbrella-like head, known as an umbel. These blooms are not only visually appealing but are also attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The society garlic's overall aspect is one of delicate beauty and subtle fragrance, which makes it a popular choice for borders, rock gardens, and as a companion plant in mixed beds. The combination of its attractive flowers, fragrant leaves, and clumping habit makes it a versatile and appealing addition to many garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Society Garlic, Pink Agapanthus, Sweet Garlic, Wild Garlic.
Common names
Tulbaghia 'Purple Eye'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7-10
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Tulbaghia 'Purple Eye' has attractive purple flowers with a distinctive eye, adding visual interest to gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscapes and low-water gardens.
- Pest Resistance: It is naturally resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
- Easy to Grow: It is generally easy to cultivate and does not require special growing conditions or intensive care.
- Long Blooming: The plant has a lengthy flowering period, providing color for an extended time in the garden.
- Edible Parts: Some parts of the plant are edible and can be used in cooking for their garlic-like flavor.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers of Tulbaghia 'Purple Eye' attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion Planting: The 'Purple Eye' can be used as a companion plant in vegetable gardens to deter pests, such as aphids and snails, without the use of chemicals.
- Natural Pest Repellent: Crushed leaves of the plant can be rubbed onto the skin to repel mosquitoes and other insects naturally.
- Culinary Enhancement: Flower buds and young leaves can be used to add a subtle garlic flavor to salads and other dishes.
- Garden Bordering: The plant can be used as an attractive border in garden beds due to its compact size and striking purple flowers.
- Floral Arrangements: The long-lasting flowers can be used in floral arrangements as a unique and fragrant addition.
- Erosion Control: Its clumping growth habit can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden, promoting biodiversity.
- Pathway Edging: Suitable for adding detail and fragrance along garden paths and walkways.
- Ground Coverage: Can be planted in areas where low-maintenance ground cover is desired.
- Decorative Containers: Ideal for planting in pots or decorative containers on patios and balconies, adding both greenery and color.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Medicinal Qualities: Tulbaghia 'Purple Eye', also known as Society Garlic, is often associated with healing and therapeutic properties, symbolizing health and protection against illnesses.
- Social Harmony: The common name Society Garlic suggests its role in fostering community and friendship, symbolizing unity and collaborative spirit.
- Culinary Use: Like its relative garlic, Society Garlic is used in cooking, symbolizing nourishment, flavor, and the enrichment of life's experiences.
- Protection: Society Garlic has been thought to ward off pests in gardens and, by extension, can symbolize safeguarding and creating safe boundaries in one's life.
- Vitality: The vibrant purple color of Tulbaghia 'Purple Eye' flowers symbolizes vibrance and energy, reflecting an invigorating and lively essence.
WaterThe Society Garlic (Tulbaghia 'Purple Eye') should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Water thoroughly, allowing the water to seep deep into the soil to encourage deep root growth, but make sure that the plant is not left in standing water. During the active growing season in spring and summer, watering may be required once a week, but always check the soil moisture level first. In winter, reduce watering to every other week or even less, depending on the plant's indoor environment and humidity levels. It is preferable to provide approximately 16-32 ounces of water per watering session, depending on the size of the plant and pot.
LightSociety Garlic thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. Ideally, it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, which can be provided in a sunny window or a spot in the garden that gets plenty of light. Avoid placing it in deep shade as this can diminish its flowering and overall vitality.
TemperatureSociety Garlic prefers temperatures between 50°F and 90°F. It can survive minimal frosts, but sustained temperatures below 20°F may be harmful to the plant. To ensure optimal growth, aim to keep it in an environment that stays within this temperature range year-round.
PruningSociety Garlic should be pruned to remove spent flowers and seed heads to encourage further blooming and to maintain a tidy appearance. Pruning can be done as needed throughout the growing season. The best time to perform a more thorough pruning is in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe society garlic 'Purple Eye' prefers a well-draining soil mix with a pH around 6.0 to 7.0. A suitable mix could be a combination of loam, sand, and compost to ensure good drainage and fertility.
RepottingSociety garlic 'Purple Eye' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it becomes root-bound in its container.
Humidity & MistingSociety garlic 'Purple Eye' fares well in moderate humidity levels, typical of outdoor conditions; it does not require high humidity indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place society garlic 'Purple Eye' in bright light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant society garlic 'Purple Eye' in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Society Garlic 'Purple Eye' begins with seed germination, where the plant emerges from seeds in well-draining soil with full to partial sun exposure, ideally in spring. Following germination, the seedling develops into a young plant with narrow, strap-like leaves and starts forming a clump. As the Society Garlic matures, it enters the vegetative stage, where it grows actively and produces more foliage. The reproductive stage is characterized by blooming typically in summer or early fall, where it features violet, star-shaped flowers with a purple center or "eye." After pollination, seeds are produced, which then disperse and can lead to new plants if favorable conditions are met. Finally, in colder climates or during offseasons, Society Garlic 'Purple Eye' may enter a period of dormancy, where growth slows down or ceases until favorable conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Propogation: The ideal propagation time for Tulbaghia 'Purple Eye', commonly known as Society Garlic, is in the spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. The most popular method of propagation for Society Garlic is by division of the clumps. To do this, carefully dig up an established clump and gently separate the bulbs, ensuring that each division has a portion of the root system attached. These individual offsets can then be immediately replanted in well-drained soil at a depth comparable to their previous growing conditions. It's important to water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish the roots. The divisions should soon begin to grow on their own, providing new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
