Camassia leichtlinii 'Caerulea'

How to Care Guide: Camassia leichtlinii ‘Caerulea’ (Infographic)

Camassia (Camassia leichtlinii ‘Caerulea’) has long stems, starry, purple blue flowers that grows in loose spikes. Camassia looks best when planted in clusters along a shrub border or in a grassy location, where it blends in wonderfully. It prefers full light and prefers moist, if not wet, soil.

Camassia Infographic

Camassia leichtlinii 'Caerulea'
Camassia leichtlinii ‘Caerulea’ Infographic

Camassia leichtlinii ‘Caerulea’ Basics

NameCamassia
Botanical NameCamassia leichtlinii ‘Caerulea’
Flower ColorPurplish Blue
Height34-38 inches
LightFull (6+ hours sun per day)
SoilAverage to wet
Bloom TimeLate Spring
ZoneZones 4 to 10
Plant Depth6 inches deep
Plant Spacing5 inches apart
Density4 bulbs per square foot
Information on Camassia leichtlinii ‘Caerulea’

Camassia leichtlinii ‘Caerulea’: Size

Camassia leichtlinii ‘Caerulea’ grows to 34-38 inches tall.

Is Camassia leichtlinii ‘Caerulea’ Deer Resistant?

Camassia leichtlinii ‘Caerulea’ is Deer Resistant. 

Where to Plant Camassia leichtlinii ‘Caerulea’

Camassias prefer full sun or light shade, as well as rich, well-drained soil. Most species grow natively in moist meadows that may be wet for short periods of time in the spring but are dry during the summer. When plants are actively growing in the spring, evenly moist conditions are critical, but dry soil in the summer when the leaf dies down is good.

Camassias are one of the few bulbs that flourish in moist, even wet, soil. Wet, saturated soil is often harmful when plants are dormant, especially in the winter. Summer foliage is slow to die back; do not trim it until it has entirely yellowed and collapsed.

SunFull (6+ hours of sunlight)
SoilMoist to Wet Soil

How to Plant Camassia leichtlinii ‘Caerulea’

Plant the bulbs in the fall, 6 inches below the soil level. Arrange bulbs in drifts of a dozen or more for the best effect, spacing bulbs 5 inches apart.

How Many Camassia Bulbs to Plant in a Flower Bed?

You can plant 4 Camassia bulbs per square foot. Use the Camassia calculator below to calculate how many bulbs you need for your garden.

How to Propagate Camassia leichtlinii ‘Caerulea’

Camassias produce offsets, which can be used to propagate the plant, however offset production is slow, and clumps should be left alone.

Dig and divide in the summer for propagation or if clumps exhibit signs of overcrowding, such as diminished flowering. Alternatively, seeds can be used to propagate the plant. Seedlings need 3 to 4 years to bloom after self-sowing.

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