Plant during the recommended period shown in the variety’s specifications. If you cannot plant straight away, store them somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated.
Also known as bear’s grass, the long narrow foliage of Camassia quamash provides welcome structure and lush greenery to the garden from early in the spring before the flowers later emerge. Camas looks great in a grassy planting scheme, echoing the linear habit of ornamental grasses. But it’s just as well suited to a mixed informal border, orchard or wildlife area. Camassia quamash loves a moist spot, so it’s ideal for providing colour at a height in damp areas, close to a pond or within naturalistic, meadow-style plantings.
Illuminate your borders throughout late spring and early summer with the beautiful star-like flowers of Camassia quamash. This outstanding plant stands upright, up to 80cm tall, providing a long season of interest that will grace your planting schemes in sun or partial shade.
Fuss-free camassias are resilient, hardy and naturalise freely in borders. Being easy to care for, standing up tall on strong, self-supporting stems, they’re a great choice for low-maintenance gardens. Plant Camassia quamash bulbs in small groups to start with and over time they’ll multiply, producing effortlessly gorgeous natural swathes that return to be admired every year.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Check whether your varieties prefer sun or shade, then choose a sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Most spring bulbs also grow well in containers.
Remove weeds and loosen compacted soil. Improve heavy ground with organic matter and horticultural grit. For containers, use peat-free multipurpose compost and ensure good drainage.
Plant at the depth recommended for each variety, as their requirements differ. Position shoots or pointed ends upwards. If the correct direction is unclear, plant them on their sides.
Follow the recommended spacing for each variety. Planting in clusters or informal drifts creates a natural display, but avoid placing them directly against one another.
Water after planting if the soil is dry. Keep containers lightly moist but never waterlogged. After flowering, allow foliage to yellow naturally before removing it.
- Botanical name
- Camassia quamash
- Flower colour
- Blue
- Bulb size
- 6/+
- Established height
- 30-50cm
- Established spread
- 10-20cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant spacing
- 30 bulbs per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Damp
Free draining - Soil type
-
Loam
Clay
Sandy
Stony
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Borders
Meadows
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade
Full shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Camassia quamash reviews
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Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.