Tulbaghia simmleri Alba

Common Name:
White Fragrant Society Garlic

Description:
Tulbaghia simmleri 'Alba', commonly known as White Fragrant Society Garlic, is an elegant and aromatic perennial that adds soft charm and reliable performance to cottage gardens, borders, and pots. This South African native forms a clump of narrow, grey-green leaves that emit a mild garlic scent when crushed. In late spring through to early autumn, it sends up slender stems topped with delicate white star-shaped flowers that are lightly fragrant and beloved by bees. Unlike the more commonly seen pink forms, the 'Alba' cultivar provides a softer, more refined look, perfect for blending into cool-coloured planting schemes. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerates dry conditions once established, and is also resistant to deer and rabbits. Tulbaghia simmleri 'Alba' performs well in Melbourne gardens, whether mass planted, tucked into herbaceous borders, or grown in containers for its ornamental and lightly culinary appeal.

Form:
*Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding
*Ground Cover

Mature Size:
*Height: 30 to 40 cm
*Width: 30 to 45 cm

Aspect:
*Full Sun
*Part Shade

Flowering:
*Flowers in Late Spring
*Flowers in Summer
*Flowers in Early Autumn

Flower Colour:
*White

Key Attributes:
*Suitable for Pots
*Perennial
*Herbaceous
*Scented Flowers
*Bee Attracting
*Drought Tolerant
*Low Maintenance
*Edible Flowers
*Deer Resistant
*Rabbit Resistant

Toxicity:
Not known to be toxic to humans or animals. Edible flowers are sometimes used as a garnish, though flavour is mildly garlicky.

Companion Plants:
*Lavandula dentata
*Salvia nemorosa
*Achillea millefolium
*Gaura lindheimeri
*Erigeron karvinskianus