About
This bulbous perennial forms clumps and reaches a height of approximately 30 cm. Its leaves are grass-like, featuring mid-green coloration with narrow cream edges. During late spring and early summer, upright stems emerge, showcasing a dense spike of star-shaped flowers in a deep blue hue, each measuring up to 7 cm across.
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
- 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
- 0.1-0.5 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
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist but well-drained, deep, humus-rich, fertile soil. Intolerant of waterlogging and may need some protection from frosts in colder areas. Very good for naturalising in meadows. 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
- Cut back faded flower spike
- Propagation
- Remove offsets when dormant in winter- see bulb propagation
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free