Society garlic gives Sarasota landscapes good breadth.

Society garlic serves up everything you could possibly want in a groundcover. It’s tasteful, hardy and satisfying right down to the last rhizome. You’ll wonder why you didn’t plant it earlier with all it brings to the table.

For starters, consider their star-shaped flower clusters. They pop out about two feet from grass-like leaves — cheerful dots of light lavender bobbing above lime-green foliage. These perennials are perfect for sunny beds and prefer sandy soil (lucky for us Floridians). Yes, you can plant in partial shade but they won’t bloom nearly as much. Regular watering in summer and fall is best, but you’ll need to pull back during the winter. Society garlic tolerates light freezes and extended drought periods, too. You can propagate it by dividing the clumps when they’re in dormant season. They’ll spread slowly but aren’t considered aggressive.

Society garlic: Does it stink?

While this South Africa native is in the onion family, it’s not a true garlic. Still, its rhizomes and leaves can be enjoyed just like garlic or garlic chives. Even the flowers are edible and make a pretty garnish. Word has it that it’s called “Society Garlic” because it has a lighter and “more polite” smell than actual garlic. But you can still get a subtle whiff  if you brush against it. But so what? Your garden will smell like an Italian restaurant, that’s all. The upside is that society garlic resists deer damage.

Where to plant.

It’s probably not a good idea to plant society garlic right outside your front door (the aroma thing again). We like it used as a border or planted in masses, preferably away from high foot traffic. Some homeowners have planted it around their mailboxes to keep urinating dogs away (we can’t vouch for the effectiveness). You can also plant society garlic in containers as long as you place them in bright sunlight.

Other options to consider

If society garlic doesn’t suit your taste, you have several other groundcover options to explore. Some of ArtisTree’s favorites include Emerald Blanket Carissa, Baby Sunrose, Asiatic Jasmine Minima and Coral Creeper. Have fun exploring your choices, or better yet, contact ArtisTree and we’ll be happy to serve up a custom landscape plan that comes with professional installation (and LED lighting if you like). 

Call ArtisTree Landscape 941.488.8897

To get your landscape renovation started now, browse ArtisTree’s portfolio and then call Jenni Lassen at 941.488.8897, ext. 312, to meet with one of our award-winning designers. We proudly serve Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties.

ArtisTree also provides complete landscape maintenance services for HOA communities throughout Southwest Florida. Contact Michael Casper at 941.488.8897, ext. 321, for your custom proposal.  

Category News, Groundcovers