Tulbaghia violacea 'Alba' (White Society Garlic) Rhizomes
Tulbaghia violacea 'Alba' (White Society Garlic) Rhizomes
Tulbaghia violacea 'Alba', known as White Society Garlic, is a clump-forming perennial grown for its fragrant pure white flowers and neat grassy foliage.
This less common variety produces elegant white blooms that rise above narrow aromatic leaves from mid-summer into early autumn.
- Height: 50–60cm
- Spread: 30–40cm
- Flower colour: pure white
- Flowering time: mid-summer to early autumn
- Position: full sun
- Soil: well-drained soil
About Tulbaghia violacea 'Alba'
Tulbaghia violacea 'Alba' grows from corm-like rhizomes and forms tidy clumps of slender green leaves.
The foliage releases a mild garlic-like scent when crushed, which is characteristic of plants in this genus.
From midsummer, short stems appear above the foliage carrying clusters of star-shaped white flowers. These blooms are lightly fragrant and continue appearing into early autumn.
This white-flowered form is less commonly seen in gardens, making it an interesting choice for collectors or gardeners seeking something slightly different.
Benefits for UK Wildlife
Tulbaghia violacea 'Alba' helps support pollinating insects.
- Nectar-rich flowers attract bees
- Provides food for butterflies and other pollinators
- Offers nectar during the late summer period
Plant alongside other late-flowering perennials to extend food sources for pollinators.
Where to Grow White Society Garlic
- Sunny garden borders
- Gravel gardens
- Patio containers
- Mediterranean-style planting
- Wildlife-friendly gardens
The clean white flowers work well with both colourful and soft-toned planting schemes.
Planting Tips
- Plant rhizomes in spring.
- Choose a sunny, sheltered location.
- Use well-drained soil.
- Plant rhizomes just below the soil surface.
- Space plants about 30–40cm apart.
- Water regularly while plants establish.
In colder parts of the UK, containers allow plants to be moved to a sheltered position during winter.
Why Grow Tulbaghia violacea 'Alba'
- Elegant pure white flowers
- Long flowering season from summer to autumn
- Attractive to bees and pollinating insects
- Decorative clumps of narrow foliage
- A rarer variety for sunny gardens
If you want a graceful late-flowering perennial with clean white blooms, Tulbaghia violacea 'Alba' provides reliable colour and pollinator interest through the warmer months.