Camassia quamash var. quamash
A deciduous, clump-forming perennial bulb with long, narrow, erect green foliage and from late spring into early summer, spikes of compact, pale violet-blue, star-shaped flowers to around 80cm tall
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Blue | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- 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
- Genus
Camassia are bulbous perennials with narrow, channelled leaves and erect racemes of star-shaped violet-blue or creamy-white flowers in early summer
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained fertile, humus-rich soil in sun or part shade, providing a winter mulch. Plant bulbs 10cm deep in autumn. May have the potential to become a nuisance due to prolific self-seeding if not managed well
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or remove offsets when dormant in summer - see bulb propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Wildflower meadow
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required. Deadhead faded flower spikes
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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