Despite its name and distinctive garlicky smell, society garlic is not really garlic at all. Although, like garlic, it is a member of the lily (Alliaceae) family it is not an allium and is actually more closely related to the narcissus flower.
Society garlic reputedly got its name from a belief that it could be eaten without producing the unfortunate side-effect of garlic bad breath <http://www.garlic-central.com/breath.html>. As such it was a form of garlic that was acceptable in "polite society".
Society garlic does however make a good ornamental plant. The leaves are long, thin and evergreen and it has attractive purple flowers. Perhaps most importantly, it gives off a gorgeous garlicky aroma. (From http://www.garlic-central.com)
