| Botanical Name |
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| Family |
Alliaceae - The onion family. |
| Pronunciation |
tul-BAG-ee-uh vy-oh-LAH-say-uh |
| Common Name(s) |
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| Plant Group |
- Bulb / Corm / Rhizome / Tuber / Epigeal bulb Bulbs: are made up of fleshy scales as in an onion
Corm: a short, swollen, underground stem that is hard and not fleshy as in a gladiolus
Tuber: a solid, fleshy, underground, storage organ as in a potato
Rhizome: an underground, horizontal, swollen stem at the base of the plant as in an iris
Epigeal bulb: bulbs that rest above the ground with only the roots anchoring the plant to the earth as in albuca
- Ground Cover A plant with a low-growing, spreading habit, grown specifically to cover the ground.
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| Plant Size |
- Medium
| Tree | 10m to 16m |
| Shrub | 1m to 2m |
| Perennial/ground cover | 40cm to 60cm |
| Bulb | 40cm to 60cm |
| Succulent | 40cm to 60cm |
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| Position |
- Dry Shade Shady areas where soil has poor water retention or are dependent on rain for their moisture needs.
- Light or Dappled Shade Found below trees with sparse, open foliage. Ideal for the protection of herbaceous plants.
- Partial Shade The area is in shade for part of the day and in full sun for part of the day.
- Sun The area is in full sun for all or most of the day, all year round.
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| General Information |
- Drought Tolerance: High The plant is well adapted to arid conditions; it can survive long periods of drought and high temperatures without extra water.
- Evergreen Plants that have leaves all year round.
- Fragrant / Aromatic These plants posses a strong, usually pleasant odour.
- Frost: Hardy The plant can withstand freezing temperatures or frost without artificial protection.
- Water Wise Plant species originating from low rainfall regions that require less water to survive and thrive than other plant species.
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| Specific Information |
A useful plant for difficult or hot corners of the garden where little else will grow. This is an ideal plant for the herb garden as they discourage insect pests, and both the leaves and flowers are edible. Tulbaghia violacea is said to be a very good snake repellent when planted around the doors of homes.
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| Flowers |
| Description |
tubular-shaped, in a loose head
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| Season |
- Summer to Autumn Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.
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| Colour |
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| Growth Rate |
- Fast Specifying growth rate can be very misleading as there is considerable variation of growth rate depending on type and species of plant, available water, supplementary feeding, mulching and general care, as well as the plants suitability and adaptability to the garden environment.
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| Plant Uses |
- Attracts bees, butterflies or other insects This plant attracts insects which can be food for birds or other creatures in your garden.
- Border A strip of ground, at the edge of a driveway or path in which ornamental plants or shrubs are planted.
- Container Trees, shrubs and ornamental species that can adapt to growing in a restricted environment.
- Edging A low growing plant that provides softness or definition to the edges of a bed or walkway.
- Filler Either a fast growing tree or shrub used temporarily to fill in an area while the permanent plants grow to a desired size, or a plant used to fill gaps in borders or beds.
- Ground Cover Low-lying plants that spread fast, require minimal maintenance, and cover large expanses or bare areas between bulbs or shrubs. They provide protection from erosion and drought and improve the visual appearance of the garden.
- Interplanting Arranging and planting plants in the garden that have different blooming times and habits of growth, extending the amount of time in which the area is in flower.
- Mass Planting Plants useful for filling a large area with just one or a few kinds of plants spaced close together. Creates a bold, dramatic effect and to reduces maintenance.
- Pioneer for new gardens A very fast growing plant, able to withstand hardship, that can be used to populate land that has recently been cleared of natural vegetation. These plants pave the way for slower-growing species by adding nutrients to the soil and creating leaf litter.
- Rock Garden An area constructed of larger rocks, arranged naturally, to emphasise the use of stones as a main element. Generally plants used do not need a lot of care.
- Stabilize Banks Plant is used to prevent soil erosion because their roots will form a mat that stabilizes the soil and keeps it from washing away in heavy rains.
- Suitable for coastal gardens Plants adapted to dry, sandy soil, forceful wind, limited rainfall and intense sunlight.
- Wild Garden An indigenous garden planted for the benefit of wildlife and birds. Provides food, water, a variety of mini-biomes and no poisonous chemicals are used.
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| Distribution and Habitat |
from the Eastern Cape to KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo and north to Zimbabwe
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| Planting Suggestions |
Grows easily in most soils but thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of compost. Mulch well and water regularly for a plentiful supply of flowers. I have planted some in the wild garden where they have to see to themselves. They have flowered beautifully and multiplied liberally. Once established they should be left undisturbed for as long as possible.
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| Medicinal Uses |
The leaves are used for sinus headaches and to treat cancer of the esophagus. A decoction of the fresh bulbs is taken for coughs and colds. The bulb has been used to treat pulmonary tuberculosis, to destroy intestinal worms and to make an aphrodisiac medicine. The leaves and flowers can be used as spinach and as a hot, peppery seasoning with meat and potatoes.
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