FLASH SALES: 30% off selected plants to prepare your garden for summer! Only until tuesday night
Share your pictures? Hide split images
I have read and agree the terms and conditions of service.

Camassia quamash

Camassia quamash
Camas

4,8/5
20 reviews
2 reviews
2 reviews
0 reviews
0 reviews

Timid flowering that quickly fades, to be continued in the next season when the bulbs have grown larger.

Sylvie, 30/05/2021

Leave a review → View all reviews →

Select delivery date,

and select date in basket

This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

Value-for-money
Bulb with compound floral stalks composed of bright blue star-shaped flowers, widely used for bouquets.
Flower size
25 cm
Height at maturity
60 cm
Spread at maturity
40 cm
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -23°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
plantfit-full

Does this plant fit my garden?

Set up your Plantfit profile →

Best planting time September to October
Recommended planting time January to February, September to December
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering time May to June
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Description

Camassia quamash or Camassia esculenta is a perennial plant that forms large and generous clumps. It grows quickly and can reach a height of 50 to 70cm (20 to 28in). Its flower spikes, measuring 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in) long, produce star-shaped flowers that are 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) in diameter. These vibrant blue flowers bloom from May to June. The deciduous leaves are linear and lanceolate in shape, measuring 20 to 50 cm (8 to 20in) in length, and are green in colour.

Originating from North America, this Camassia returns more vigorous each year. It can be found in perennial borders, wild gardens, wet meadows, as well as near water features. It can also be planted as an edging in your gardens. It is a good flower for bouquets. It has bulbs that are not eaten by rodents, so they can be left in place.

Also known as the Common Camas, Camassia quamash has bulbs that were once eaten by Native American tribes or used to make flour. When roasted or boiled, it tastes similar to sweet potato. However, all other parts of the plant are toxic. The word 'Quamash' means 'sweet' in the Native American language.

Camassia quamash in pictures

Camassia quamash (Flowering) Flowering
Camassia quamash (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 60 cm
Spread at maturity 40 cm
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour blue
Flowering time May to June
Inflorescence Spike
Flower size 25 cm
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Camassia

Species

quamash

Family

Hyacinthaceae (Liliaceae)

Other common names

Camas

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Other Camassia

  1. Out of stock
    From €3.50 Bulb

    Available in 2 sizes

  2. Out of stock
    From €1.30 Bulb

  3. Out of stock
    From €3.50 Bulb

  4. Out of stock
    €7.90 the 5 •

    Available in 3 sizes

  5. Out of stock
    From €3.22 Bulb

  6. Out of stock
    From €1.67 Bulb

    Available in 2 sizes

  7. Out of stock
    From €0.42 Bulb

  8. Out of stock
    From €0.42 Bulb

Planting and care

Place Camassia quamash in partial shade or full sun in a fertile, humus-rich and well-drained soil such as wet meadows. The plant naturalises well if the soil is moist. Plant it in autumn at a depth of 10 cm (4in) and space the bulbs 20 cm (8in) apart. Water it regularly but not excessively to avoid the plant rotting due to stagnant moisture. Camassia naturalises very well when left undisturbed. Mulch in winter in regions with harsh winters. Once the flowers have faded, remove the flower stalks, leaving the stem. Also remove the foliage when it turns yellow. The perennial returns each year with increasing vigour and more abundant inflorescences. Aphids and slugs may attack Camassia, but they cause very little damage as the plant is highly resistant.

Planting period

Best planting time September to October
Recommended planting time January to February, September to December
Planting depth 10 cm

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Border
Hardiness Hardy down to -23°C (USDA zone 6a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 25 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Neutral, Any
Soil moisture Moist soil, Rich and well-drained

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,8/5
No reviews
No reviews

Haven't found what you were looking for?