About
Maybelle' is a bulbous perennial with a compact habit and vivid green linear leaves. In late spring it bears short racemes of blue flowers, slightly tinted purple.
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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
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, 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
PruningDeadhead faded flower spikes, good for cut flowers
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe. Remove offsets when dormant in winter
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free