About

This perennial, characterized by its bulbous structure, forms an upright clump of dark green, strap-shaped leaves. From late spring to early summer, it produces star-shaped flowers in a creamy white hue that rise on sturdy stems.

About the genus

Camassia is a group of bulbous perennials characterized by slender, channelled foliage and upright clusters of star-shaped flowers that range in color from violet-blue to creamy-white, typically blooming in early summer.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
North-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Bulbs
Habit
Clump forming, Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
1-1.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
1-2 years
Suggested uses
Wildflower meadow, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
Toxicity
Ornamental 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

Cultivation
Plant 10 to 15cm deep in autumn in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Mulch in winter in cold areas. 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
Pruning
Deadhead faded flowers spikes
Propagation
Propagate by offsets
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free