Society Garlic Tulbaghia 'Bright Eyes'
ABOUT
Tulbaghia 'Bright Eyes' is a striking perennial known commonly as society garlic or pink agapanthus. It features clumps of narrow, strap-like, greyish-green leaves that give off a garlic scent when bruised. The foliage creates a dense, grass-like appearance, providing a lush base for the showy flowers it produces. The most captivating aspect of this plant is its beautiful blossoms which appear on top of slender, leafless stems that rise above the foliage. Each stem typically bears a cluster of star-shaped flowers with delicate petals. The flowers of 'Bright Eyes' are a soft lavender to pink hue, often with a brighter or darker eye at the center, lending the variety its name. This eye-catching contrast in the flower offers a radiant look that can easily brighten up garden spaces. Society garlic blooms repeatedly, offering a long flowering season that provides a continual display of color and interest. The flowers not only add aesthetic appeal but also attract various pollinators like bees and butterflies, which adds to the dynamic nature of the garden setting where this plant thrives. Guided by the common name, society garlic has both ornamental and aromatic qualities, with the latter coming from the distinct garlicky fragrance of the leaves. Despite its garlic scent, the plant is appreciated for its decorative flowers and is often used in borders, rock gardens, and as groundcover due to its compact foliage and vibrant blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Society Garlic, Pink Agapanthus, Sweet Garlic, Spring Bulb, Wild Garlic
Common names
Tulbaghia 'Bright Eyes'
ToxicityTo humans
Tulbaghia 'Bright Eyes', commonly known as society garlic, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, it is important to note that consuming large quantities of any plant material may cause digestive discomfort or an allergic reaction in some individuals. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from society garlic in humans. As with any non-food plant, it is advisable to avoid ingesting it unless it is known to be safe and intended for culinary purposes.
To pets
Society garlic is also considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. While it is not known to be poisonous, ingestion of large amounts of plant material could potentially cause mild stomach upset in some animals. Symptoms could include vomiting or diarrhea. It is generally recommended to prevent pets from eating plants as a precaution, and any signs of illness after ingestion should prompt consultation with a veterinarian.
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- Easy to care for: Tulbaghia 'Bright Eyes', commonly known as society garlic, is relatively low maintenance and easy to grow.
- Drought tolerance: Society garlic is drought-resistant, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping or gardens in arid climates.
- Pest resistance: It is known to be resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers of society garlic attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, aiding in pollination.
- Culinary use: The leaves of society garlic are edible and can be used similarly to garlic chives in cooking, adding a mild garlic flavor to dishes.
- Fragrance: Society garlic has a pleasant, mildly garlic-like fragrance, which can help mask less pleasant smells in the garden.
- Decorative blooms: With its attractive, vibrant purple flowers, society garlic can add a splash of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Herbaceous perennial: As a perennial plant, it will return year after year, providing long-term interest in the garden.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Society Garlic can serve as a pest repellent in gardens due to its strong aroma, which can help deter various insects and mammalian pests.
- The plant is sometimes used in companion planting as its strong scent can mask the aroma of nearby plants, helping to protect vulnerable vegetables from pests.
- Society Garlic's flowers can be used in ornamental edible landscaping, providing both aesthetic appeal and a mild garlic flavor to dishes.
- The leaves and flowers of Society Garlic can be used as a garnish for salads and soups, offering a subtle garlic flavor.
- In cut-flower arrangements, Society Garlic can add both greenery and a unique fragrance, as well as a touch of edible interest.
- The plant can be a natural border in gardens due to its clumping growth pattern and can be used to edge pathways or define garden beds.
- Society Garlic can be grown in containers on patios or balconies where space is limited, still providing the option for culinary use.
- It can be used as ground cover in full sun areas, providing dense foliage that helps suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
- The robust nature of Society Garlic makes it a good choice for erosion control in sloped areas of the garden.
- Some cultures use Society Garlic in ceremonial and ritualistic plantings, believing it to offer protection and good health.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Society Garlic is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Society Garlic is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection – Tulbaghia, commonly known as "Society Garlic," is believed to have protective qualities, often used to guard against disease and negativity.
- Healing – With its medicinal properties, Society Garlic symbolizes health and recovery, signifying the plant's use in traditional medicine to treat ailments.
- Purification – The strong, garlicky scent of Society Garlic is associated with cleansing and purifying spaces, suggesting its role in clearing negative energy.
WaterSociety garlic, also known as Tulbaghia 'Bright Eyes', requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Typically, it should be watered once a week with about 1 inch of water. During the hotter, dryer months, the watering frequency may need to increase to twice a week to maintain moisture levels. Conversely, reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant, ensuring the top inch of soil dries out between waterings. It's always better to check the soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
LightSociety garlic, or Tulbaghia 'Bright Eyes', thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. An eastern or southern exposure generally provides the ideal light conditions for this plant. However, in very hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching.
TemperatureSociety garlic is content in a wide range of temperatures but prefers it to be between 50°F and 90°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F; however, extended exposure to temperatures below freezing can damage the plant. Ideally, keep Tulbaghia 'Bright Eyes' in an environment where temperatures are mild and avoid dramatic temperature fluctuations which can stress the plant.
PruningSociety garlic should be pruned to remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Pruning is best done in early spring before new growth begins. Seasonal pruning, around once a year, can also help rejuvenate the plant and manage its size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSociety garlic requires well-draining soil mixed with organic compost. A mix of loamy soil supplemented with perlite or coarse sand can enhance drainage. The ideal soil pH for society garlic is between 6 and 7.
RepottingSociety garlic should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. The best time to repot is during the spring or early summer months.
Humidity & MistingSociety garlic thrives in moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate various conditions as long as it's not excessively dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and occasional watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sunlight, well-draining soil, and water when dry.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleTulbaghia 'Bright Eyes', commonly known as wild garlic, begins its life cycle as a seed, which will germinate given the right conditions of warmth and moisture. Once the seedling emerges, it develops into a vegetative state characterized by grass-like leaves and establishes a bulb underground. The plant enters a period of growth where it accumulates energy in the bulb. As it matures, wild garlic produces flower stalks with clusters of star-shaped flowers, typically during late spring or early summer. After the flowering stage, the plant will set seed, completing the reproductive phase of its life cycle. As seasons change, particularly if exposed to colder temperatures, it may enter a dormant phase, during which the foliage dies back and the plant survives off the stored energy in the bulb until favorable conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Tulbaghia 'Bright Eyes', commonly known as wild garlic or society garlic, can be effectively propagated through division, which is the most popular method. The best time to undertake this is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by division, gently dig up the plant and carefully separate the clump into smaller sections, each with a few bulbs or a portion of the root system attached. These divisions can then be immediately replanted in well-draining soil, spaced about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly after transplanting to help establish the divisions. With proper care and favorable conditions, these divisions will grow into mature plants and can even flower in the first season after propagation.
