TULBAGHIA

South Africa is home to ten per cent of the world’s flowering plants so it is no surprise that much of this abundance has found its way into our gardens. Among the lesser-known gems from the country are tulbaghias: elegant, airy flowers that resemble small agapanthus, usually with sweetly scented flowers and pungent foliage. Tulbaghias are long-f lowering and f loriferous, qualities that are winning them enthusiasts among both gardeners and plant breeders.

Found only in southern Africa, the genus consists of about 22 species but only a few are currently widely grown in gardens. The most popular is which has grass-like foliage typical of tulbaghias that smells strongly of garlic when it is crushed. The flowers form a pinkish-mauve umbel with individual flowers consisting