Tulbaghia violacea Variegata Society Garlic variegated

Position. Full sun to part shade, by South Australia's Plant Selector's entry for 'Silver Lace', which lists it for sites from the second line of the coast to plains and hills; the Missouri Plant Finder notes that the plant flowers less in part shade.

Soil and water. Clay or loam, acid, neutral or alkaline, with moderate supplementary water and tolerance of drought, by the Plant Selector; the Missouri Plant Finder wants a well-drained soil and says the plant appreciates steady moisture in the growing season.

Frost. The Plant Selector rates 'Silver Lace' for moderate frost. The Missouri Plant Finder, an American reference, calls society garlic a tender perennial, grown as an annual or brought indoors before the first frost where its winters are colder.

Care. The Missouri Plant Finder, an American reference, reports no serious insect or disease problems, though slugs and snails may damage the leaves. The clump widens over time as its tuberous roots spread, and every part of the plant smells of garlic.

Which variegated form. Growers list this plant as 'Variegata'; South Australia's Plant Selector and the Missouri Plant Finder describe 'Silver Lace'. No reference read describes 'Variegata' or says whether the two are one plant, so ask the grower which form the stock is.

South Australia's Plant Selector suggests 'Silver Lace' in groups along borders and in rockeries, where its pale leaves set off darker green plants, and the Missouri Plant Finder lists edging, containers, herb and rock gardens and sunny borders. Its fragrant flowers stand above the leaves on slender stalks to about 60 cm. Worked from its spread, plant at about 0.3 m centres for a continuous edge. The Missouri Plant Finder lists the flowers and leaves of society garlic as edible, with a mild garlic flavour. For the species, see society garlic.

Ask whether the stock is the variegated form or the species, since both are listed under Tulbaghia violacea, and whether the variegated plant is sold as 'Variegata' or 'Silver Lace'. The table above shows the sizes growers list today. For the roots, pests and hardening off to check in nursery stock, see the HortOS guide to nursery plant quality. Stock moving between states travels under the state and territory biosecurity rules. Weigh the smell before planting it where people pass: every part gives off a strong garlic odour, and the Missouri Plant Finder notes that some people find it objectionable.