Wild garlic (Tulbaghia violacea 'Silver Lace')

Overview

Tulbaghia violacea ‘Silver Lace’, widely recognized as Wild garlic, provides exceptional visual texture in the garden, standing out due to its narrow, grass-like foliage boldly edged in white against blue-green centers. This attractive variegated cultivar of society garlic is valued not only for its appearance but also for its resilience, boasting good heat and drought tolerance once established. It produces slender stalks topped with clusters of sweetly fragrant, lilac-pink, tubular blooms that appear consistently from late spring well into the fall, making it a reliable accent plant.

As a tender perennial from southern Africa, growing Tulbaghia violacea ‘Silver Lace’ offers gardeners a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant accent that attracts attention with its bi-colored leaves. The entire plant, leaves and rootstock, emits a distinct garlic scent when bruised, contributing to its excellent protection against common garden pests. Gardeners appreciate the low maintenance required by this species, making it a superb choice for sunny, well-drained locations where consistent moisture is not always guaranteed.

The aesthetic appeal of Tulbaghia violacea ‘Silver Lace’ is enhanced by its tidy, clumping habit, seldom exceeding two feet in height or spread. This makes the Wild garlic perfect for defining edges or providing vertical interest in mixed borders without dominating surrounding plants. Plan to utilize this plant where its fragrant beauty and deer resistance will be most appreciated throughout the summer season.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Amaryllidaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 7-10
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-2 ft
  • Spread: 1-2 ft
• Bloom Time: May to September
• Bloom Description: Lilac-pink
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Plant Tulbaghia violacea ‘Silver Lace’ in the spring after the danger of frost has passed, placing it in a location offering full sun for the best flowering performance. While it tolerates part shade, reduced sunlight will result in considerably fewer blooms. This perennial thrives in average to organically rich soils, provided they are light and well-drained; soggy conditions should be avoided at all costs, regardless of the moisture level offered.

Watering requirements for Wild garlic are generally medium. Although the plant exhibits strong drought tolerance, consistent moisture during the peak growing season will encourage more prolific blooming. Fertilization is usually unnecessary for this inherently tough performer, contributing to its low maintenance profile. Deadheading spent flower stalks is not strictly required but can tidy the appearance.

For those gardening in northern climates, such as St. Louis (Zone 6), consider growing Tulbaghia violacea ‘Silver Lace’ in containers that can be moved indoors before the first fall frost. Overwinter these containers in a cool (40-50°F), bright location with minimal watering. Alternatively, if planted in protected, mulched garden locations, these plants may survive milder Zone 6 winters.

Landscape Uses

The variegated foliage and summer blooms of Tulbaghia violacea ‘Silver Lace’ make it highly versatile in landscape design. It excels when used for edging pathways or formal beds where its clean, one-to-two-foot height provides a neat transition between lawn and taller plantings. Because of its good drought tolerance, it is an excellent component for low-water, sunny borders.

This ornamental herb is also perfectly suited for containers, either alone or mixed with summer annuals that share similar sun and moisture needs. Consider pairing Wild garlic with silvery foliage plants or soft purple annuals to complement its lilac-pink flowers. Its deer and rabbit resistance makes it a practical choice near patios or entryways where browsing animals are a concern.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant

Noteworthy Characteristics

‘Silver Lace’ is specifically noted as a striking variegated cultivar of society garlic, featuring narrow, grass-like foliage up to one foot long displaying distinct white margins framing blue-green centers. Clusters of sweetly fragrant, lilac-pink, tubular blooms are held aloft on slender stalks, typically reaching two feet tall, appearing from late spring through summer with potential sporadic reblooming continuing into fall. Remember that the entire plant emits a noticeable garlic odor when crushed.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer

Potential Problems

Insect and disease problems rarely trouble Tulbaghia violacea ‘Silver Lace’. The primary antagonists in the garden are slugs and snails, which may chew on and damage the foliage. A manageable issue for some gardeners is the strong garlic odor emitted by all parts of the plant when bruised. This scent, while beneficial for pest deterrence, should be considered when placing Wild garlic near outdoor seating areas or high-traffic zones where the smell might be deemed unpleasant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Wild garlic suitable for?

Tulbaghia violacea ‘Silver Lace’ is winter hardy in USDA Zones 7 through 10 when planted directly in the ground as a perennial.

How large does Tulbaghia violacea ‘Silver Lace’ grow?

This herbaceous perennial reaches a mature height between 1 and 2 feet tall, spreading to a width also between 1 and 2 feet.

When does Wild garlic bloom?

The plant produces its beautiful lilac-pink blooms over a long season, generally starting in May and continuing on and off through September.

What sun exposure does Tulbaghia violacea ‘Silver Lace’ need?

For optimal bloom performance, Tulbaghia violacea ‘Silver Lace’ requires full sun exposure in the garden.

Conclusion

The variegated foliage and long blooming season of Tulbaghia violacea ‘Silver Lace’ provide season-long interest while requiring minimal gardener intervention due to its low maintenance and drought tolerance. Incorporating this resilient Wild garlic into sunny borders ensures beauty alongside effective pest resistance. Before planting, verify that your region falls within USDA Zones 7-10 or plan for container overwintering to enjoy this specimen year after year.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for Tulbaghia violacea ‘Silver Lace’, focus on plants that thrive in full sun and appreciate medium, well-drained soil conditions. Pairing it with lower-growing, drought-tolerant salvias, creeping thymes, or ornamental grasses will complement its vertical habit and clumping form without competing aggressively for resources. The fine texture of the Wild garlic foliage contrasts beautifully with broader-leaved perennials, creating visual depth in the border design.

Consider using plants whose bloom times slightly overlap before and after the main flush of Tulbaghia violacea ‘Silver Lace’ to ensure continuous color. Lavender often pairs well culturally and aesthetically, as both enjoy similar sun exposure and dry conditions once established. This combination maintains a Mediterranean or dry-garden aesthetic throughout the summer months, highlighting the pale lilac-pink flowers effectively.

Design Ideas

In formal garden designs, utilize the tidy structure of Tulbaghia violacea ‘Silver Lace’ as a consistent, repeating element along intersecting lines or perimeter edges. Its clean, vertical structure works well to break up mass plantings of lower, mounding perennials. The silvery-white variegation of the leaf margins helps to brighten shaded areas or provide contrast against deep green or dark purple plantings.

For contemporary xeriscape gardens, this plant is invaluable due to its combined heat, drought, and pest resistance. Use it in drifts interspersed with gravel mulch to emphasize its architectural quality and clean form. When planted near seating areas, enjoy the subtle fragrance of the flowers without worrying about the strong scent of the foliage being overwhelming, as the leaves are often hidden by the blooms or adjacent plants.