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How to Grow Double Camas

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Double Camas

Camassia leichtlinii 'Semiplena'

flower

A stunning spring-flowering bulb producing tall spikes of double, creamy-white flowers with a soft pale yellow center. This cultivar is a sterile double form that blooms later than species Camassia and extends the flowering season. The elegant flowers are long-lasting and excellent for cut arrangements.

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Example Double Camas timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Double Camas

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Double Camas blooms

    Mid-to-late summer

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Double Camas dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 6+ hours of direct sunlight preferred
💧
Water: Moderate to high moisture; keep soil consistently moist during growing season. Does not tolerate dry conditions. Requires adequate moisture in spring and early summer; can tolerate slightly drier conditions after flowering.
📏
Spacing: 4-6 inches
📅
Days to maturity: Blooms in late spring to early summer; bulbs establish fully in year 2-3
🌱
Planting depth: 4-6 inches deep (pointed end up)

Soil

Type: Humus-rich, consistently moist loamy soil
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost peat moss or coco coir organic matter

Growing Zones

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Zones 4-8; prefers cooler climates and consistent moisture

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

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Growth Stages

1

Dormancy

6-8 months (June-March)

Bulb is dormant in soil over summer and fall after foliage dies back

Mulch lightly to protect from freezing. Keep area dry during dormancy. No watering required.

2

Growth

3-4 weeks (March-April)

Shoots emerge in early spring; linear basal leaves develop and elongate

Begin regular watering as shoots emerge. Provide consistent moisture. Apply balanced fertilizer if needed.

3

Flowering

3-4 weeks (May-June)

Tall flower spikes (24-36 inches) emerge with densely packed double white flowers opening from bottom to top

Maintain consistent moisture. Stake tall stems if needed. Deadhead spent flowers to extend bloom if desired. Cut for arrangements when lower flowers open.

4

Foliage decline

4-6 weeks (June-July)

After flowering, leaves remain green but gradually yellow and die back

Continue watering until foliage fully yellows. Allow leaves to persist as long as possible to replenish bulb reserves. Do not cut back early.

5

Post-bloom dormancy

5-7 months (July-March)

Foliage completely dies back; bulb enters dormancy underground

Stop watering. Reduce watering significantly. Mark planting location. Mulch lightly to prevent soil compaction.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Geranium Aquilegia Helleborus Primrose Lupine Bleeding heart Lady's mantle Hosta Sedge

Avoid planting near:

Allium (may compete for space) Ornithogalum (similar moisture preferences in crowded conditions)

Common Pests

  • and

    Remove by hand, use copper tape barriers, apply organic slug baits, encourage beneficial predators like ground beetles

  • Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove affected foliage; fungicide in wet springs if needed

  • Plant in cool, moist sites; avoid damaging bulbs during planting; remove and destroy infested bulbs if detected

Uses

🍳

Edible bulbs (historical use)

Culinary

Camassia bulbs were traditionally harvested and cooked by Native American tribes of the Pacific Northwest as a reliable food staple. The bulbs have a nutty, sweet flavor when roasted or boiled. [source]

🏠

Cut flower arrangements

Household

Double Camas produces exceptional long-lasting cut flowers for wedding arrangements, formal bouquets, and floral displays. The elegant double white flowers add texture and height to spring and early summer arrangements. [source]

🦋

Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

Camassia flowers attract bees and other pollinators during the spring flowering period, providing early-season nectar. Though this cultivar is sterile, the flowers still provide valuable food resources. [source]

🎨

Garden design and naturalization

Craft

Creates stunning meadow-like displays when planted in groups of 10+. Excellent in border edging, cottage gardens, and water-side settings. Naturalizes well in cool, moist areas. [source]

Harvest Tips

Cut flower spikes in early morning when lower 1/3 of flowers have opened. Cut at base with sharp knife. Place immediately in cool water. Vase life is 7-10 days. For garden display, allow some spikes to remain for continuous bloom over several weeks. Do not harvest foliage—allow it to naturally die back.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Camassia leichtlinii is native to wet meadows of California, Oregon, and Washington, and blooms later in the season than most spring bulbs, extending spring beauty into early summer.
  • 🌱 'Semiplena' means 'half-double,' referring to the semi-double flower form with extra petals. This cultivar is sterile and cannot be grown from seed, making it a true cultivar that must be propagated by division.
  • 🌱 The genus name Camassia comes from the Nez Perce word 'qamás,' reflecting the plant's cultural importance to Native Americans as a primary food source, while the bulbs can produce blue, purple, pink, and white flower colors across the species.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade
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