Camassia Leichtlinii Caerulea

A striking and unusual addition to the late-spring border, Camassia 'Caerulea' sends up tall, elegant spires of star-shaped, deep violet-blue flowers, each with six showy petals and bright yellow stamens at the centre. The blooms open gradually from the bottom of the spike upwards, giving a long-lasting, ever-changing display just as tulip season begins to fade.

A genuinely tall clump-forming perennial, Caerulea reaches an impressive 1–1.5m, making it a fantastic choice for the middle or back of a border, where its willowy stems rise gracefully above a clump of long, strap-shaped foliage. It naturalises well over time and makes an excellent, long-lasting cut flower.

Plant bulbs in autumn, 10–15cm deep, in fertile, humus-rich soil that stays reliably moist but well-drained — it dislikes waterlogging, so avoid heavy, poorly drained ground. Best in full sun or light shade. As with all camassia, bulbs are ornamental only and should not be eaten; gloves are recommended when handling.

Each bulb is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.