Tulbaghia violacea 'Silver Lace' Rhizomes
Tulbaghia violacea 'Silver Lace' Rhizomes
Tulbaghia violacea 'Silver Lace', often called variegated society garlic, is a clump-forming perennial grown for its narrow variegated foliage and delicate lilac flowers.
The grey-green leaves edged with cream create interest throughout the growing season, while clusters of lightly fragrant flowers appear from mid-summer into early autumn.
- Height: 45–60cm
- Spread: 30–40cm
- Flower colour: pale lilac
- Flowering time: mid-summer to early autumn
- Position: full sun
- Soil: well-drained soil
About Tulbaghia violacea 'Silver Lace'
Tulbaghia violacea 'Silver Lace' grows from corm-like rhizomes and forms tidy clumps of long narrow leaves.
The foliage has a soft grey-green colour with a creamy margin, providing decorative contrast even when the plant is not in flower.
From midsummer, upright stems rise above the foliage carrying loose clusters of star-shaped lilac flowers. These blooms release a light fragrance and continue appearing well into autumn.
The plant belongs to the same botanical family as garlic and produces a similar scent when the leaves are crushed.
It is also known by the synonym:
- Tulbaghia violacea 'Variegata'
Benefits for UK Wildlife
Tulbaghia violacea 'Silver Lace' supports garden pollinators.
- Flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects
- Provides nectar through the late summer season
- Works well in wildlife-friendly sunny borders
Plant in groups with other long-flowering perennials to support pollinators over a longer period.
Where to Grow Society Garlic 'Silver Lace'
- Sunny borders
- Gravel gardens
- Patio containers
- Mediterranean-style planting
- Wildlife-friendly gardens
The variegated foliage provides strong contrast when planted alongside darker-leaved plants.
Planting Tips
- Plant rhizomes in spring.
- Choose a sunny, sheltered location.
- Use free-draining soil.
- Plant rhizomes just below the soil surface.
- Space plants about 30–40cm apart.
- Water regularly while plants establish.
In colder areas, grow plants in containers so they can be moved to a sheltered location during winter.
Why Grow Tulbaghia violacea 'Silver Lace'
- Decorative variegated foliage
- Fragrant lilac summer flowers
- Long flowering season
- Suitable for borders and containers
- Attractive to pollinating insects
If you want a reliable summer perennial with decorative foliage and long-lasting flowers, Tulbaghia violacea 'Silver Lace' brings colour and texture to sunny garden spaces.