Camassia quamash / Camassia esculenta
("Indian hyacinth / Camas")
Turf-like leaves appear in early Spring. Weeks later the beautiful blue buds will open into 6 slender loose petals. They will naturalize easily, spreading readily by seed rather than by the few bulb offsets that they produce.
What You Need To Know Before You Plant:
When Will This Flower Bloom?
Very late Spring - Early Summer
When Should I Buy and Plant These Bulbs?
Fall
What Kind of Light Does This Bulb Prefer?
Full sun to partial shade
What Color Will the Flower Be?
Bright violet-blue
How Far Apart Should I Plant These Bulbs?
3 in / 8 cm
How Deep Should I Dig?
4 in / 10 cm
How Tall Will It Grow?
18-24 in / 45-60 cm
Recommended Number of Bulbs Per Square Foot?
15
Is It Deer/Critter Resistant?
Yes
How Can I Best Use It in My Landscaping?
In flower beds, borders, as cut flowers, amongst perennials & ground covers and for naturalizing in larger fields.
Other Popular Varieties
(Besides the species itself); 'Blue Melody' (intense pale blue with variegated foliage).
About the Family
Camassia Family
The origins of the genus Camassia must be sought in the western part of North America where this species is found growing in the mountains and on the prairies. Remarkably, this bulbous plant is relatively unknown. Seven or eight species exist, but only three are commonly cultivated. The name 'Quamash' comes from a North American Indian language. The cooked bulbs of certain species were also eaten by the Indians.
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