Camassia coerulea Dark Blue

Description and Characteristics

Camassia caerulea 'Dark Blue' is a graceful, spring-flowering bulbous perennial known for its striking spires of rich violet-blue, star-shaped flowers. A member of the asparagus family (Asparagaceae), this North American native species is cherished for its naturalistic charm, excellent performance in meadows, damp borders, and informal planting schemes.

Flowering in late spring to early summer (May to June), the tall stems rise above narrow, strap-shaped green foliage, producing vertical flower spikes up to 60–90 cm in height. The blooms open sequentially from the base to the top of the spike, prolonging the display. Camassia is particularly effective when planted in drifts or mixed with ornamental grasses and early summer perennials.

‘Dark Blue’ is especially valued for its intensely coloured flowers, which provide a striking contrast in spring gardens and attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

• Tall, upright spikes of deep blue to violet star-shaped flowers

• Narrow, grass-like basal leaves that die back after flowering

• Height: 60–90 cm; Spread: 20–30 cm

• Flowering time: May to June

• Excellent for meadows, woodland edges, cottage gardens, and wildlife-friendly plantings

• Naturalises well and returns reliably year after year

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Camassia 'Dark Blue' is low-maintenance, reliable, and performs best in moist, free-draining soils. It is tolerant of partial shade and suitable for sunny or dappled light conditions, making it a great fit for a wide range of garden styles.

• Light Requirements:

  • Grows well in full sun to partial shade

  • Tolerates light woodland or open meadow settings

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers moist but well-drained, fertile soil

  • Tolerates clay, loam, or humus-rich soils

  • Ideal for areas that are moist in spring but drier in summer

• Watering Needs:

  • Keep soil evenly moist during active growth and flowering

  • Once foliage begins to yellow, reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy

• Feeding:

  • Not a heavy feeder—an application of bulb fertiliser or compost in early spring is sufficient

  • Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which promote leafiness over flowering

• Planting and Spacing:

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

  • Group in drifts of 5 or more for naturalistic effect

  • Allow leaves to die back naturally after flowering to replenish bulb energy

• Dividing and Propagation:

  • Naturalises over time; bulbs can be divided every 3–5 years in autumn

  • Offsets can be separated and replanted once the foliage dies down

  • Can also be grown from seed, but flowering takes 2–3 years

• Winter Care:

  • Fully hardy (RHS H7); no winter protection needed

  • Leave bulbs in the ground for repeat flowering each year

Garden Design Uses, Companions, and Pollinator Benefits

Camassia 'Dark Blue' is ideal for naturalised planting schemes, adding vertical structure, bold spring colour, and pollinator value in wetter garden areas or informal designs.

• Design Applications:

  • Excellent in wildflower meadows, damp borders, near ponds, and under light canopy trees

  • Integrates well into cottage gardens, prairie-style plantings, and woodland edges

  • Ideal for mass planting or mixed into perennial beds for late spring interest

• Companion Plants:

  • Combines beautifully with alliums, aquilegia, euphorbia, iris sibirica, and geraniums

  • Works well with ornamental grasses like Deschampsia or Molinia

  • Complements tulips and late daffodils for layered spring colour

• Pollinator Support:

  • Excellent nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • Supports pollinator activity during the seasonal transition from spring to summer

  • An ideal component of biodiverse and habitat-focused plantings

• Cut Flower Use:

  • Attractive, long-lasting in vase (5–7 days)

  • Best harvested when lower blooms on spike have opened

• Pests and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • Resistant to deer and rabbits

  • May be affected by slugs on young shoots in very damp soils

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)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.