Camassia bulbs

The best time to plant camassia bulbs is in autumn, usually from September to November. Planting in autumn gives the bulbs time to establish roots before winter and prepare for flowering the following late spring or early summer. Camassias are hardy, so established bulbs can remain in the ground throughout winter.

Plant camassia bulbs in fertile soil that holds moisture but does not remain waterlogged. Position each bulb with the pointed end upwards, cover with soil and gently firm afterwards. Camassias are particularly effective planted in informal groups or generous drifts, where their upright flower spikes can rise naturally between perennials, grasses and other late-spring plants.

Plant camassia bulbs at approximately three times the height of the bulb, generally around 10–15cm deep depending on bulb size. Planting deeply enough helps them establish securely and remain undisturbed for many years. Allow some space between bulbs so the clumps have room to increase naturally over time.

Camassias generally flower from late spring into early summer, typically from May into June. Their timing makes them especially useful for bridging the gap between earlier spring bulbs and the first flush of summer perennials. Different species and varieties vary slightly, so planting several can extend the display.

Camassias thrive in moist but well-drained soil and are particularly useful in borders, meadow-style planting, beneath lightly shading deciduous trees and around ponds where the soil remains reasonably fresh. They tolerate light shade well and are less suited to very dry ground, deep shade or soil that stays waterlogged.

Yes. Camassias are hardy, long-lived perennial bulbs and can return for many years when planted in suitable conditions. They are particularly good for permanent planting because established clumps can gradually increase without needing to be lifted each season. Leaving them largely undisturbed usually produces the best long-term display.

Yes. Camassias can gradually increase and form larger colonies over time, making them excellent bulbs for naturalistic borders, longer grass and wildflower-style planting. Once established, they generally need little attention. Their tall flower spikes are especially effective when allowed to emerge through existing planting rather than being arranged in rigid rows.

Camassias can be grown in containers for a short period, but they are much better suited to permanent planting in the ground. The RHS notes that they dislike being disturbed when repotted and are generally not ideal container plants for more than one or two years. If grown in a pot, choose a large container and keep the compost evenly moist without allowing it to become waterlogged.

After flowering, leave the foliage in place until it has naturally turned yellow and begun to die back. The leaves continue feeding the bulb while they remain green, helping to support flowering the following year. Avoid cutting camassia leaves back too early, as this can weaken the bulbs and reduce future flowering. Once established, the bulbs can usually remain undisturbed in the ground.