TULBAGHIA V. PURPLE EYE

Description and Characteristics

Tulbaghia violacea 'Purple Eye', commonly known as Society Garlic, is a graceful, clump-forming evergreen perennial known for its ornamental flowers, narrow, strappy foliage, and resistance to drought and pests. This cultivar is distinguished by its soft lilac-pink flowers with a striking deep purple eye, giving it a more vivid and decorative appearance than the species.

Blooming from late spring into autumn, 'Purple Eye' produces delicate, star-shaped flowers in loose umbels on slender, upright stems. The blooms are lightly scented and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its foliage is also slightly garlic-scented when bruised—making it less appealing to deer and rabbits—yet ornamental enough to complement mixed borders or container displays.

This hardy perennial reaches around 30–50 cm in height, forming dense tufts that are perfect for sunny borders, rockeries, and Mediterranean gardens. It is also suitable for pots, where its elegant form and long flowering period make it a reliable feature throughout the warmer months.

• Produces lavender-pink flowers with deep purple centres

• Long flowering period: May to October

• Height: 30–50 cm; Spread: 30–40 cm

• Slender, evergreen foliage with a light garlic scent

• Attracts pollinators and resists grazing animals

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Tulbaghia ‘Purple Eye’ is a low-maintenance and drought-tolerant plant once established. It performs best in well-drained soil and sunny locations, and thrives in conditions that might stress fussier perennials.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun for best flowering

  • Will tolerate light shade, though with slightly reduced flowering

• Soil Preferences:

  • Requires well-drained soil; ideal for sandy or gritty loam

  • Tolerates poor soils if drainage is good

  • Neutral to slightly acidic pH preferred

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during establishment

  • Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant

  • Avoid overly wet soils, especially in winter

• Feeding:

  • Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring

  • In containers, feed monthly during the growing season for more blooms

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming

  • Remove any yellow or damaged leaves to keep the plant tidy

  • In late winter or early spring, cut back old foliage to allow new growth

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 7–10 (RHS H4–H5)—tolerant to about -5°C to -10°C

  • In colder areas, mulch heavily or move container plants to a sheltered spot

  • Evergreen in mild winters, semi-evergreen elsewhere

Garden Uses, Companions, and Wildlife Value

Tulbaghia 'Purple Eye' brings texture, colour, and pollinator appeal to gardens and containers. Its tidy clumps and strong floral display make it a versatile addition to a range of design styles—from Mediterranean to contemporary.

• Design Applications:

  • Excellent for sunny borders, gravel gardens, and dry landscapes

  • Ideal in terracotta pots, raised beds, and balcony containers

  • Useful as a low edging plant or in mass planting for colour drift

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with Lavandula, Salvia, Nepeta, Eryngium, and Agapanthus

  • Mixes beautifully with other drought-tolerant perennials and grasses

  • Complements succulents and alpine plants in rockeries

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • Provides a long nectar season, especially during mid-to-late summer

  • Useful in wildlife-friendly and pollinator-supportive plantings

• Container Use:

  • Thrives in pots with free-draining compost

  • Combine with trailing herbs, compact grasses, or Euphorbia

  • Water moderately and ensure winter drainage to prevent rot

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • Foliage’s garlic scent deters deer, rabbits, and other grazers

  • Very low maintenance and ideal for low-input gardens

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.