Tulbaghia violacea 'Edinburgh'


Common name(s): big violet society garlic


Description: 'Edinburgh' is a selection with particularly large pale violet flowers. T. violacea is a bulbous, clumping perennial native to South Africa. It was aptly named by Dutch colonizers who found that the mild garlic flavor of the leaves and flowers did not result in offensive breath and was therefore an acceptable substitute for garlic at high society events. Both the leaves and flowers are edible. It has also been used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments.


Height: to 1 ft. Spread: to 1 ft.


Position: full sun and well-draining soil


Uses: medicine, culinary- salads, soups, pasta, etc.


Winter Hardiness: to 5 F and below

Notes: 'Edinburgh' was introduced to the U.S. via plantsman David Mason who purchased it in the U.K. as "Tulbaghia sp. EBG 4269" from the now closed Green Farm Plants located in the village of Bentley in East Hampshire.