Species false garlic
White flowers with yellow center, off-white stigma, lime ovary  and stems, with yellow-brown buds

false garlic

Nothoscordum bivalve

False garlic (Nothoscordum bivalve) is a tall perennial flower that grows in clumps. The flowers are a delicate, pale yellow or cream colour and have a distinctive smell, similar to garlic. Each stem is topped with two fragrant blooms that rise above the thin, grass-like leaves. False garlic is a great addition to sunny, flower beds and its long-lasting, sweet smell will attract pollinators to your garden. This species is part of the allium family, yet unlike other garlic plants it is not edible. False garlic grows well in a variety of soil types, but prefers a slightly acidic PH level to thrive. With proper care, false garlic will bloom for up to six weeks each spring.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Bulb Propagation,Offsets

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

White with yellow tinged bases Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

False garlic should be watered on a regular basis. It is best to water once a week, providing enough water so that the soil is completely moist but not soggy. During hot weather, you may need to water more frequently, as much as every other day or so. During the cold winter months, watering can be reduced to once a month, or even less. In addition, it is important to provide the false garlic with adequate drainage, as they will not tolerate being waterlogged. To do so, make sure the soil is well aerated and the pot has drainage holes at the base.

sunlight

False garlic grows best in full sun, meaning 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight each day. This species is native to warm regions with long hours of daylight, such as the southeastern United States. During the summer months, the sun may stay up for up to 14 hours, providing the perfect amount of light for this plant species. During the winter, however, the daylight hours are much shorter, and the false garlic may benefit from supplemental lighting, such as a lamp or grow light, to help it stay healthy.

pruning

False garlic should be pruned twice a year, in late summer and early spring. The goal of pruning is to reduce crowding and create air circulation and light penetration. Cut off the top 1-third of the plant to encourage new growth and increase air circulation. Take out any weak, dead, or diseased stems, and reduce overcrowded stems, allowing more air and light to reach the inner parts of the plant. Prune any flowering shoots that have finished blooming in order to encourage further growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

False garlic typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

False garlic typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map