Tulbaghia

Tulbaghias are the queens of Mediterranean flower beds with their umbel flowering from May to October. Originally from South Africa, they form spreading clumps of lanceolate, slender, pale green leaves, evergreen in some warmer regions and deciduous in colder regions. The small white or pink tubular flowers sway at the end of the stem. The variety Tulbaghias violacea Silver Lace, reaching a height of 50cm (20in), has very beautiful pinkish-purple flowers. In March, Tulbaghias are planted in well-drained, light soil, in a sunny location. They are hardy up to -7°C (19.4°F). The clumps should be cut back in autumn to 5cm (2in) above the ground and mulched to protect them from the cold. In cold and humid regions, they should be planted in a 20cm (8in) pot with a mix of potting soil, compost, and sand. Tulbaghias are used in rock gardens or as borders in Mediterranean gardens, alongside Agapanthus. With a strong garlic flavor and edible, the leaves can be used to flavor salads.