Overview
Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) 'Maybelle' is a clump forming, columnar upright bulbs in the genus Camassia, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) 'Maybelle' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include wildflower meadow, coastal, cottage and informal garden and prairie planting.
About
'Maybelle' is a bulbous perennial characterized by its compact growth and narrow, vibrant green leaves. In late spring, it produces short clusters of blue flowers with a subtle hint of purple.
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
Best soil and position for Camassia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) 'Maybelle' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 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
Pruning and caring for Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) 'Maybelle'
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, fertile soil in sun or part shade. Plant bulbs 12cm deep and 15cm apart. Tough and tolerant of heavier soils. 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 flower spikes, good for cut flowers
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe. Remove offsets when dormant in winter
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) 'Maybelle'?
Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, fertile soil in sun or part shade. Plant bulbs 12cm deep and 15cm apart. Tough and tolerant of heavier soils. 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.
Where is the best place to plant Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) 'Maybelle'?
Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) 'Maybelle' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) 'Maybelle' need?
Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) 'Maybelle' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) 'Maybelle'?
Deadhead faded flower spikes, good for cut flowers.
How big does Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) 'Maybelle' grow?
Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) 'Maybelle' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) 'Maybelle' hardy in the UK?
Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) 'Maybelle' has a UK hardiness rating of H4.
How do I propagate Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) 'Maybelle'?
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe. Remove offsets when dormant in winter.
Is Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) 'Maybelle' toxic?
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.