Society Garlic is in the amaryllis family with most species being native to South Africa. They have a long blooming period with purplish-pink to white flowers and foliage that has a garlic scent. Prefers a well-drained soil with humus added. They are tolerant of heat and humidity but appreciate some water during dry spells but also tolerate some drought. It is moderately salt-tolerant and deer generally avoid them. The roots are tuberous and spread over time forming clumps. Leaves are generally narrow, long and grass-like. Best blooming occurs in full sun but they will tolerate some shade. Use this plant in borders, containers or rock gardens. Deadhead to extend the blooming season. Propagate by division as needed.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheBuddleja Lo & Behold® 'Pink Micro Chip'Cuphea hyssopifoliax Heucherella
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Bulb
Life cycle
Bulb; Perennial
USDA zones
7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter
Soil drainage
Good Drainage
NC region
Coastal; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in. | Width: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Arching; Clumping
Texture
Fine
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Rosulate
Leaf shape
Linear
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, < 1 inch wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Long linear grass-like green leaves with a garlic odor when crushed
Flower color
Pink; Purple/Lavender
Flower value
Fragrant; Long Bloom Season
Flower form
Umbel
Flower shape
Trumpet
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
Flowers are borne in clusters called umbrels with 6 tepals and a raised crown-like structure in the center of the flower called a corona.
Bloom time
Fall; Summer
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Triangular capsules split to release the flattened, hard black seeds
Stem color
Green
Stem detail
Straight green stems
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
South Africa
Food & Medicine
Edible parts
Leaves; Flowers
Fruit type
Capsule
Edibility
Leaves and flowers can be used in salads
Uses (ethnobotany)
The leaves and bulbs have been used in herbal medicine
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Coastal; Container; Slope/Bank; Small Space; Walkways
Landscape theme
Children's Garden; Drought Tolerant Garden; Edible Garden; Rock Garden