Tulbaghia violacea 'Snow Flurry'

Common name(s): white-flowered society garlic

Description: perennial; our own 2009 introduction found as a chance seedling in the nursery. Light pink buds open to large white flowers in summer and fall. 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

Drought: adapted to 5 months of summer drought