Tulbaghia ‘Cosmic’

Society Garlic Amaryllidaceae

A Tulbaghia with a name that sounds as though it ought to be growing on the far side of Jupiter. In reality, ‘Cosmic’ was raised by Liz Powney at Aberystwyth in Wales in 2004, and is an evergreen hybrid involving Tulbaghia violacea. It has since become one of the more distinctive forms in cultivation.

Forming neat, spreading clumps of narrow, grey-green, garlic-scented leaves, ‘Cosmic’ sends up wiry stems bearing loose umbels of remarkably pretty, star-shaped flowers. The petals range from soft lilac through mauve to pinkish-purple, each flower marked with a conspicuous yellow central corona. The combination is rather more sophisticated than the name might suggest — although the name is probably more memorable.

Flowering is generous and prolonged, often continuing from June or July into September, with individual stems held well above the foliage. Deadheading encourages further flowering, although leaving a few seedheads to develop adds another season of interest.

Like its T. violacea heritage, ‘Cosmic’ is an easy plant for a sunny, well-drained border. It tolerates dry conditions once established and is particularly good in gravel gardens, at the front of a border or spilling over the edge of a raised bed. It also performs admirably in containers, where the flowers can be appreciated at close quarters.

And yes, the foliage smells of garlic when bruised. The flowers and leaves are edible and can be used as a mild garlic-flavoured garnish, although we suspect most gardeners will be happier simply admiring them and allowing the bees and other insects to investigate.

Introduction & nomenclature: Tulbaghia ‘Cosmic’ is a horticultural hybrid, rather than a botanical variety of T. violacea. It was raised by Liz Powney at Aberystwyth, Wales, in 2004. Liz Powney was also closely associated with the cultivation and conservation of Tulbaghia, having held the National Collection. The cultivar was subsequently distributed through the specialist plant trade, including Desirable Plants, which acknowledged Liz Powney in its catalogue.

The correct horticultural name is Tulbaghia ‘Cosmic’. It is sometimes encountered as Tulbaghia violacea ‘Cosmic’, reflecting its T. violacea heritage, but the unqualified cultivar name is preferable where its hybrid origin is recognised.

Height: 50–60cm in flower
Spread: 40–60cm
Flowering: June–September
Aspect: Full sun
Soil: Moderately fertile, well drained
Hardiness: Approximately H4–H5; hardy in much of Britain in a well-drained position, but considerably less forgiving of cold, wet winter soils.

A thoroughly deserving plant: long-flowering, drought tolerant, pleasantly aromatic and decorated with little lilac-and-yellow stars. Cosmic by name, but distinctly terrestrial in its requirements.