About
A deciduous, clump-forming perennial bulb to around 80cm in height, with long, narrow, upright green foliage. Tall spikes of compact, pale pink, star-shaped flowers appear from late spring into early summer.
About the genus
Camassia are bulbous perennials with narrow, channelled leaves and erect racemes of star-shaped violet-blue or creamy-white flowers in early summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow
ToxicityOrnamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained fertile, humus-rich soil in sun or part shade, providing a winter mulch. Plant bulbs 10cm deep in autumn. May have the potential to become a nuisance due to prolific self-seeding if not managed well This plant was part of the RHS Camassia (quamash) trial 2024-2026
PruningNo pruning required. Deadhead faded flower spikes
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or remove offsets when dormant in summer - see bulb propagation
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free