Blackstemplants

Photo: Blackstem Plants

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£ 5.50

Camassia quamash

Camas

Daffodils are the bulb of choice for naturalising in the UK but if you fancy something a bit different or have a damp area where most bulbs rot then this unfamiliar plant works well. 

Once a food source for Native Americans (although the bulbs take 2 days to cook), Camassia grow best in moisture retentive but not waterlogged soils. They will tolerate drier conditions and prefer full sun either way. 

They are ideal for a flower meadow and will slowly spread their seed around. In late spring the star shaped pale blue flowers are borne on solid stems above long strap like leaves. By mid summer the plant becomes dormant and can be mown down. 

They can also be grown in the spring border and make a good cut flower.

Family

Plant type

Hardiness

Height

Spread

Foliage

Flower

Soil

Position

Hyacinthaceae

Hardy perrenial

H7

35cm 

25cm 

Mid green 

Pale blue 

Moist but well-drained

Full sun, partial shade