Tulbaghia violacea var. maritima x simmleri Himba

Tulbaghia 'Himba' is a very pretty variety of hybrid Tulbaghia. This selection stands out with its slightly taller habit, its beautifully coloured flowers ranging from pinkish-purple to orange at the centre, which are well displayed on arching stems, as well as its broader leaves with a more subtle garlic aroma. Its umbel flowers bloom for several weeks from late spring to late summer. With its resemblance to a small pinkish-purple agapanthus, it thrives in open ground in mild climates, but also in a flowering pot, to be stored during winter in our less mild regions.

The Tulbaghia hybrid Himba belongs to the Alliaceae family, just like leeks, garlic, and onions. This plant is a hybrid created by Walt in Pretoria, South Africa, who crossed the Tulbaghia violacea var. maritima with a selected cultivar of Tulbaghia simmleri. 'Himba' was introduced in 2016 by Fisk Horticulture as an ornamental plant without the strong garlic-like scent of the Tulbaghia violacea, which is often considered unpleasant. 'Himba' actually has a light scent, but much less powerful than that of its parent. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with a fleshy tuberous root that forms a clump of ribbon-like leaves, which may or may not be evergreen depending on the winter temperature. A well-protected stump can withstand short frosts to around -8°C.

Tulbaghia Himba develops quite rapidly into a spreading clump that expands over time through its rootstock. The flowering plant measures about 55-60 cm (22-24in) in height and 30-40 cm (12-16in) in width. Its long and particularly colourful flowering starts from April to June depending on the climate and continues until summer. In milder regions, it can bloom almost all year round. Clumps of leaves emerge from outward arching flower stalks, bearing false umbels of tubular flowers that open into star-shaped blooms with 6 petals in a deep pinkish-purple colour surrounding an orange centre. The flowers emit a sweet honey scent mixed with a slight garlic smell coming from the plant. The foliage is quite narrow, upright, linear, and grey-green in colour, but flexible enough to arch slightly. It is slightly aromatic and releases a faint garlic smell that is noticeable in warm weather.

Tulbaghia Himba is a very attractive plant appreciated for its prolonged flowering, which brings a lovely touch of colour and exoticism to the garden or patio. It can be used as a border plant or in a rockery, replacing agapanthus or complementing them by choosing from the more compact varieties (Agapanthus Silver Moon, Golden Drop...). Tulbaghia is quite sensitive, especially in wet soil during winter, so it is often preferable to grow it in a pot, except in very mild climates. This plant thrives outdoors in summer, exposed to light but not excessive sunlight. You can use finely chopped leaves in your salads or even a few flowers. It is a good coastal plant that tolerates sandy soils and sea spray. The most suitable climate for it is a mild oceanic type. In Mediterranean regions, it will require regular watering in summer.