Growing Camassias: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Introduction
Camassias, also known as wild hyacinth or Indian hyacinth, are beautiful spring-flowering bulbs that produce tall spires of star-shaped flowers in shades of blue, white, or pink. Native to the Pacific Northwest of the US, these hardy plants are easy to grow and make a stunning addition to any garden.
Growing Conditions
Camassias prefer moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate heavy clay soil and will even grow in acidic, neutral, or alkaline conditions. These versatile plants thrive in full sun or partial shade, making them suitable for a variety of garden locations.
Planting Camassias
Plant camassia bulbs in autumn, from September to November. Use a bulb planter or trowel to make a hole for each bulb, pointy end facing upwards. Plant the bulbs at a depth of 10-15cm (4-6 inches) and space them around 10cm (4 inches) apart. Water the bulbs in well after planting.
If you’re growing camassias in pots, use a loam-based compost and choose a large pot. Plant the bulbs as deep as possible, closer together than you would in the ground.
Care and Maintenance
Camassias are relatively low-maintenance plants. Once established, they will get enough moisture from rainfall. However, you may need to water them during prolonged dry spells, especially if they are growing in pots.
After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally. This is important as the dying leaves will feed next year’s bulbs. Cut back the foliage once it has completely yellowed and died back.
Camassias don’t need feeding, but those growing in a border can benefit from a mulch of organic matter in autumn. This will also help to protect the bulbs over winter in colder climates.
If your camassias are becoming congested and not flowering well, split the clumps in July or August. Replant the bulbs further apart or in a new location.
Move potted camassias to a frost-free place over winter.
Propagation
The easiest way to propagate camassias is to divide clumps of bulbs when they are dormant, in summer. Separate the clumps and replant them further apart or elsewhere in the garden. You can also remove the offsets that have formed around the main bulbs and replant them.
Alternatively, you can collect seed when it’s ripe in early summer. Sow the seeds in a seed tray and leave them to germinate in a cold frame. New plants can take up to three years to flower.
Problem Solving
Camassias are generally trouble-free plants. However, poor flowering can sometimes be due to lack of moisture in the soil or overcrowded clumps. If your camassias are not flowering well, check the soil moisture and divide the clumps if necessary.
Buying Camassias
When buying camassia bulbs, choose freshly harvested bulbs after August. Check the height of each variety, as camassias can range in height from 30cm (1 foot) to over 1m (3 feet). You can buy camassia plants at garden centers in spring, but it’s more economical to buy bulbs in autumn.
Recommended Varieties
There are several varieties of camassias to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are a few popular varieties:
- Camassia quamash (common camassia): A short, early flowering variety that’s excellent for naturalizing in grass. It has dark, purple-blue flowers with vivid yellow stamens.
- Camassia liechtlinii: Tall, loose spires of white, blue, or pale pink flowers, depending on the variety. A popular choice for a border.
- Camassia cusickii ‘Zwanenburg’: A rare variety with blue petals and a paler stripe down the middle.
Conclusion
Camassias are beautiful and easy-to-grow spring-flowering bulbs that make a wonderful addition to any garden. With their tall, graceful spires of star-shaped flowers, they add a touch of elegance and charm to any landscape. Whether you plant them in borders, pots, or naturalize them in grassy areas, camassias are sure to bring you years of enjoyment.
