Camas Camassia 'Blue Heaven'
ABOUT
Camassia 'Blue Heaven' is known for its striking, star-shaped blue flowers that create impressive spikes of bloom. Each flower features six petal-like segments that attract pollinators with their vibrant hue and open sequentially from the bottom to the top of the spike. These flowers are arranged in a raceme, giving a vertical emphasis to the plant's presence in the garden. The foliage of this plant forms a clump of long, narrow leaves that are a rich, green color. The leaves are somewhat grass-like but with a more erect and robust appearance, which provides a lush base for the tall flowering spikes that emerge above them. After blooming, the flowers give way to seed capsules that may also provide an element of interest in the garden space. Overall, the 'Blue Heaven' cultivar is distinguished by its beautiful flower color and elegant spike form, which makes it an attractive choice for gardeners looking to add vertical interest and a splash of color to their planting schemes. It is particularly well-suited to borders or naturalized areas, providing a touch of wildflower charm with a little extra polish.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae.
Synonyms
Quamash, Camas, Indian Hyacinth, Wild Hyacinth.
Common names
Camassia 'Blue Heaven'.
ToxicityTo humans
Camas, specifically the cultivar Camassia 'Blue Heaven', is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, it is important to note that the bulbs of camas, which resemble onions, have been mistaken for edible bulbs but contain compounds that can be toxic if not prepared correctly. Ingesting raw or improperly cooked camas bulbs can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The toxicity comes from glycosides that can produce cyanide when the plant cells are damaged.
To pets
Camas is not commonly known to be highly toxic to pets. However, if a pet consumes a large quantity of the plant, particularly the bulbs, they could experience gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the glycosides present, which could produce harmful substances when the plant tissue is damaged. Keep an eye on your pets and prevent them from digging up and eating the bulbs, as they can be mistaken for edible food items. If you suspect your pet has ingested a substantial amount of camas, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Camassia 'Blue Heaven' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, contributing to the pollination of nearby plants.
- Easy to Grow: It's quite adaptable to a variety of soil conditions and doesn't require much maintenance, making it a good choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, this plant has the ability to withstand periods of drought, which can be particularly beneficial in water-restricted areas or during dry spells.
- Landscape Beautification: With its striking blue flowers, Camassia 'Blue Heaven' adds a splash of color to gardens, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the landscape.
- Naturalizing: This plant has the ability to spread and create naturalized areas over time, filling in spaces and reducing the need for additional plantings.
- Late Spring Bloom: It flowers in the late spring, providing color and interest in the garden after early spring bulbs have finished blooming.
- Wildlife Habitat: Apart from pollinators, it can serve as a habitat for other wildlife, offering shelter and resources within a garden ecosystem.
- Deer Resistant: This plant is not a preferred food source for deer, making it an excellent choice for areas where deer predation is a problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Camas bulbs can be dried and ground into flour for use in baking, adding a sweet, nutritious element to cakes, bread, and other dishes.
- The starchy bulbs can also be slow-cooked to serve as a sweet syrup or natural sweetener in various culinary recipes.
- As a natural dye source, the pigments from Camas petals can be used to produce a range of blue and purple hues for textile dyeing.
- Camas plants are excellent for creating a habitat garden, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are crucial for the ecosystem.
- The tall, attractive spikes of the Camas can be used in cut flower arrangements, adding a wildflower aesthetic to bouquets and indoor decorations.
- The seed pods of Camas plants, once dried, can be used for craft projects and add texture to dried floral arrangements.
- In a permaculture setting, Camas plants can be integrated into food forests as a perennial food source that harmonizes with other plants.
- Camas plants can be used to stabilize soil in restoration projects or erosion-prone areas, owing to their clumping growth habit.
- When included in a rain garden, the water-loving nature of Camas can help manage water runoff while providing aesthetic value.
- The plant may play a role in educational gardens or cultural projects designed to preserve the knowledge of indigenous plant uses and traditions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Camassia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Camassia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Persistence: The Camassia 'Blue Heaven', commonly known as Camas, has the ability to thrive in various conditions, symbolizing the trait of persistence in overcoming challenges.
- Adaptability: Camas is known for its adaptability to different soil types, reflecting the quality of being flexible and versatile in life.
- Harmony with Nature: The Camas has long been used by indigenous peoples for nutritional and medicinal purposes, representing a deep connection and harmony with nature.
- Peace: With its soothing blue color, Camas often symbolizes tranquility and peace, evoking calmness in garden settings.
- Beauty: Camas blooms add aesthetic beauty to the landscape, symbolizing the appreciation of natural beauty in our surroundings.
WaterCamassia 'Blue Heaven', commonly known as Quamash, requires regular watering to maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during the spring growth and flowering period. It is best to water Quamash deeply once a week with about one to one and a half gallons of water per plant, depending on the climate and soil drainage. However, once established, Quamash is relatively drought tolerant and watering can be reduced. Always avoid waterlogging by ensuring that the plant is in well-draining soil. During the dormant season in late summer and fall, reduce watering significantly to mimic the plant's natural habitat.
LightQuamash thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It prefers a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in hotter climates, providing some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from excessive heat and ensure it continues to grow well.
TemperatureQuamash is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures, but it does best when the growing season temperatures are between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate winter temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but it should not be exposed to prolonged periods below this range. During the active growth phase, ensure the temperature does not exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth.
PruningQuamash does not require extensive pruning, but deadheading after the flowers fade can promote a tidy appearance and prevent self-seeding if not desired. Cut the spent flower stalks back to the base of the plant. Additionally, in late fall, remove any dead or yellowing foliage. Pruning is typically minimal and done annually after flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Wild Hyacinth, or Camassia 'Blue Heaven', thrives best in a soil mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A blend of loamy garden soil, compost, and sharp sand or perlite would make an ideal mix. It prefers a soil pH that is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingWild Hyacinth bulbs should be repotted every 3-4 years or when they become overcrowded. The best time to repot is after the foliage has died back, typically in late summer. This helps the plant maintain its vigour and allows for division if necessary.
Humidity & MistingCamassia 'Blue Heaven' favors outdoor conditions where it can experience natural fluctuations in humidity. It does not require any special humidity considerations as it is adaptable to the average outdoor humidity levels in its growing zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temps, and moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to part shade.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Camassia 'Blue Heaven', commonly known as Quamash or Camas Lily, begins with the germination of the bulb, which is usually planted in autumn, a few inches deep in well-draining soil. After a period of cold winter dormancy, the bulb sprouts in early spring, sending up strap-shaped leaves. In late spring to early summer, the plant develops tall flower stalks bearing starry blue flowers in a spiky raceme. After flowering, the plant sets seed in capsules; once the seeds mature, they are dispersed to grow into new plants, although propagation is most commonly and effectively achieved by dividing the bulbs. The foliage naturally withers away by mid-summer, and the bulb enters a period of dormancy through the heat of the summer and into the fall season. This cycle repeats each year as the perennial bulb regenerates and accumulates energy for the next season's growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Camassia 'Blue Heaven', commonly known as the Wild Hyacinth or Quamash, is often propagated by dividing the bulbs. The optimal time for this process is late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back. To propagate, carefully lift the clump of bulbs from the ground using a garden fork, then gently separate the offsets from the mother bulb. Replant these offsets immediately at a depth approximately three times the height of the bulb, usually about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm), ensuring that they have enough space to grow. This method is efficient as it helps maintain the specific characteristics of 'Blue Heaven' and typically results in blooming plants within a year or two.
