About

Camassia quamash 'Orion' is a perennial bulb that loses its leaves in winter and develops clumps of tall, slender green leaves. From late spring to early summer, it produces spikes topped with dense clusters of deep blue, star-shaped blooms.

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
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Bulbs
Habit
Clump forming, Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0-0.1 metre
Time to full height
1 year
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 soil in sun or partial shade. Avoid waterlogged ground. Mulch in winter where prolonged hard frosts occur. Naturalises well in moist soil. May have the potential to become a nuisance due to prolific self-seeding if not managed well 44938,camellia-x-williamsii-new-venture,Camellia _ williamsii 'New Venture',,A long-lived
Pruning
No pruning required. Remove withered flower stalks and leaves.
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Bulb propagation by removing offsetts when dormant in summer.
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free