Description
A genus of bulbous plants with a disputed taxonomic position. Today it is placed in the agave family; it was previously placed in the lily family (Liliaceae) or the hyacinth family.
Camassia grows wild in the USA and Canada. It grows up to one metre tall. Its fairly large violet or white flowers are gathered in racemes. The leaves are long, lance-shaped and green, growing along the stem. In our region it is rarely seen, but highly valued.
Requirements
After flowering, Camassia needs dry soil. In winter, protect it in the garden from low temperatures, especially in colder regions.
Propagation
It is propagated vegetatively from bulbs.
Care
It grows best in a sunny or lightly shaded position. The soil should be reasonably fertile and rich in humus. Plant the bulbs in autumn, from August to October, and then cover them well until they have rooted. When the young shoots appear in spring, cover them too, as they are not very cold-resistant. Camassia can also be grown from seed: sow in spring in a cold frame, then prick out into small pots, and once the plants have grown a little, plant them out in the ground. Water fairly generously during prolonged droughts and feed occasionally. Remove withered or faded parts of the plant.
When plants get sick
It is resistant to pests.