I absolutely fell in love with Camassia after planting my first batch, and I just know you’re going to adore them too!
These stunning flowers have completely transformed my spring garden, and I’m so excited to share everything I’ve learned about growing them.
Natural Habitat
You might be surprised to learn that these beauties are actually native to our own backyard – well, if you live in the Western United States, that is!
In their natural habitat, they create the most magical drifts of blue and white blooms throughout meadows from the Pacific Northwest down to California.
I’ve found they’re incredibly adaptable plants, thriving in both full sun and lightly dappled shade in my garden – talk about low-maintenance!
Historical Food Uses
Here’s something fascinating I discovered – Camassia isn’t just a pretty face in the garden! Native American peoples traditionally used these bulbs as a food source.
The bulbs are packed with something called inulin, which is a complex carbohydrate that our gut bacteria just loves (though I learned the hard way that you definitely want to cook them properly – trust me on this one!).
When prepared correctly, they have this amazing texture similar to water chestnuts but with a nuttier flavor that’s quite unique.
Just a friendly warning though – if you’re thinking of trying them, make sure to cook them thoroughly! Like Jerusalem artichokes, undercooked Camassia can lead to some, um, awkward digestive situations (if you catch my drift!).
Varieties Discussed in Detail
Camassia Leichtlinii
In my garden, Camassia Leichtlinii has become an absolute showstopper.
These beauties come with substantial bulbs that produce the most gorgeous blue flowers you can imagine.
If blue isn’t your thing, there’s also a stunning white ‘Alba’ version that looks like pure magic in the evening light.
I’m super excited about my latest addition – a new variegated white variety with yellow leaf edging that adds such beautiful interest to the garden.
Other Types
The Camassia quamash is another lovely option, though it has smaller bulbs than its Leichtlinii cousin.
I’ve also experimented with Camassia cusickii in my garden, which is considered a “native adjacent” variety.
Planting Guidelines
Planting Depth and Spacing
Let me share my favorite planting trick – I place these bulbs about 6-8 inches deep, which might seem like a lot, but trust me on this!
I space them 10-12 inches apart because they really like to spread their wings (or should I say roots?).
The absolute best part? You can create these amazing layered plantings – I put Camassia at the bottom, then tulips in the middle, and finish with anemones or crocuses on top!
Location Selection
One thing I absolutely adore about Camassia is how flexible it is about where it grows.
In the shadier spots of my garden, I’ve noticed they bloom several weeks later than their sun-loving siblings.
This extended blooming period has been such a wonderful surprise – it’s like getting bonus weeks of flowers!
Growing and Maintenance
Blooming Characteristics
Mark your calendars for May to June – that’s when these beauties put on their show!
The flowers open progressively from bottom to top, giving you this incredible 2-4 week flowering period.
I just love their grassy, strap-like leaves that add such wonderful texture to the garden even before the blooms appear.
Care Tips
Here’s some great news – deer and rodents leave these alone (can I get a hallelujah?)!
Once they’re happy in their spot, they prefer not to be disturbed – my kind of low-maintenance plant!
If you do need to divide them, summer after flowering is your best bet.
Don’t worry about the yellowing foliage after June – I just plant other perennials around them to hide it!
Companion Planting
Good Plant Partners
I’ve found that Camassia plays beautifully with alliums, geraniums, and anemones.
Small perennial plugs planted about 4 inches deep make perfect companions too.
Design Considerations
From my experience, these beauties really shine when planted along garden edges.
The color palette is absolutely dreamy – you can choose from blues, purples, white, and creamy white varieties.
I love planning ahead for the post-bloom period by surrounding them with later-blooming perennials that help hide their yellowing foliage.
They’re truly the perfect “plant it and forget it” bulb that comes back more spectacular each year!