Camassias: planting and care

Choosing the Planting Location

Camassias native to the wet prairies of North America are bulbs that should be planted in the garden in autumn in a cool to moist location.

Plant them in shaded or semi-shaded areas in cool soil. You can also place them in sunny spots where the soil does not dry out in summer.

Due to its height (70 cm), camassia is often positioned in the centre or back of a border, along a hedge, or even in a flowering meadow; blooming late in spring after most spring bulbs, it is valuable for adding height and colour at the end of spring. It has been increasingly used in public planting schemes in recent years, often contrasting with alliums in shaded areas.

Choosing the planting substrate

Camassias require moist soil: unlike the vast majority of flowering bulbs, they cannot tolerate drought.

They adapt well to both heavy soils and those rich in organic matter. They will also bloom at the edge of a bank, provided they are placed above the water level.

Planting method

– Make a hole 10 to 15 cm deep.

– Loosen the soil, plant, and cover with 5 cm of soil.

– Space the bulbs 20 cm apart.

– Cut off faded flowers; cut the foliage when it is completely dried out. The bulbs remain in place during winter.

– The bulb naturally has traces of mould. This is normal, poses no risk of rot, and has no impact on the quality of recovery.