Camassia caerulea 'Alba'

Description and Characteristics

Camassia caerulea 'Alba' is a refined, spring-blooming bulbous perennial that features graceful spikes of star-shaped, creamy white flowers, offering a lighter, elegant twist on the traditional blue Camassia. With its soft colouring and upright form, ‘Alba’ is a perfect addition to naturalistic planting schemes, wildflower meadows, and shaded borders, particularly where a more understated spring display is desired.

Native to North America, this variety grows to around 60–80 cm in height and spreads approximately 30–45 cm, producing slender, arching foliage similar to that of daffodils or daylilies. In May and June, flower spikes emerge from the foliage, each adorned with multiple white star-like blooms that open sequentially from bottom to top, extending the blooming window.

It’s also a pollinator-friendly species, supporting bees and beneficial insects at a time when many early spring blooms are fading. Camassia ‘Alba’ is an excellent choice for gardens with moist spring soils, semi-shaded areas, and wild or informal planting designs.

• Spires of creamy white, star-shaped flowers

• Foliage is strap-like and grass-like, with upright habit

• Height: 60–80 cm; Spread: 30–45 cm

• Blooming period: May to early June

• Elegant and subtle alternative to blue-flowered Camassia

• Naturalises easily and returns reliably each spring

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Camassia ‘Alba’ is a reliable, low-maintenance perennial that thrives in moist spring soils, full sun to partial shade, and well-drained conditions after flowering. Once established, it naturalises well and requires minimal care.

• Light Requirements:

  • Grows in full sun to partial shade

  • Ideal under open tree canopies or in light woodland settings

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in spring, but must be well-drained in summer

  • Tolerates heavier soils better than many spring bulbs

  • Avoid prolonged waterlogging, especially during dormancy

• Watering Needs:

  • Ensure consistent moisture during active growth and flowering (spring)

  • Reduce watering after flowering as the plant enters summer dormancy

• Feeding:

  • Not nutrient-demanding

  • Incorporate well-rotted compost or leaf mould at planting

  • Optional: apply a general-purpose bulb fertiliser in early spring

• Planting:

  • Plant bulbs in autumn, 10–15 cm deep and 10–15 cm apart

  • Ideal for mass planting in drifts, meadows, or under light canopy trees

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Flowers can be deadheaded for tidiness, though not essential

  • Allow foliage to die back naturally to feed the bulb for next year

• Propagation:

  • Propagate by division of bulbs in early autumn after foliage dies back

  • Bulbs will multiply naturally over time if undisturbed

• Hardiness:

  • Fully hardy in Zones 4–9 (RHS H7)

  • No winter protection needed in most temperate climates

Design Applications, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Benefits

Camassia caerulea 'Alba' is ideal for light woodland gardens, naturalised plantings, and wildlife-friendly spaces, offering structure and seasonal interest in late spring.

• Design Uses:

  • Perfect for meadows, underplanting trees, streambanks, and semi-natural gardens

  • Provides a vertical accent between lower spring bulbs and early summer perennials

  • Blends harmoniously in white gardens, shaded borders, or mixed bulb displays

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with bluebells (Hyacinthoides), narcissus, alliums, geums, and woodland perennials

  • Complements the foliage of ferns, hostas, brunnera, and epimediums

  • Looks stunning among ornamental grasses and aquilegias for informal charm

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Excellent nectar source for bees, solitary bees, and hoverflies

  • Flowers open sequentially along the spike, offering an extended feeding period

  • Suitable for eco-conscious and pollinator-focused gardens

• Cut Flower Value:

  • Uncommon but elegant in floral arrangements

  • Cut when lower flowers on the spike are open

• Pests and Disease Resistance:

  • Rarely troubled by pests or diseases

  • Generally resistant to deer and rabbits

  • Slugs may nibble young shoots in wet conditions

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.