Camass (Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii 'Blauwe Donau' BLUE DANUBE)

Overview

Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii ‘Blauwe Donau’ BLUE DANUBE offers reliable, dramatic late-spring color, making it a standout choice for gardeners seeking robust bulbous perennials. This specific cultivar, known as BLUE DANUBE, presents striking dark blue star-shaped flowers, each accented by attractive yellow stamens, held high above the foliage clump. As a type of Camass, this species naturally evolves from moist mountain meadows west of the Cascades, lending it impressive adaptability.

This Camass thrives best when left undisturbed, establishing dense colonies that require very low annual maintenance once settled. Its ability to handle diverse soil types, including clay, combined with its medium water needs during the growing season, provides considerable practical value. Gardeners appreciate Camassia leichtlinii subsp. Suksdorfii ‘Blauwe Donau’ BLUE DANUBE for bringing vertical interest and rich color before the summer heat sets in.

The plant forms a clump of linear, strap-like leaves up to two feet long, topped by flower stems reaching four feet tall in late spring. While the foliage may look somewhat untidy after blooming concludes, the spectacular flower show ensures Camass remains a favorite spring feature, well suited for naturalized settings or rain gardens.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Asparagaceae
• Plant Type: Bulb
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 3-4 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: May
• Bloom Description: Dark blue with yellow stamens
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Optimal growth for Camass bulbs, including the ‘Blauwe Donau’ variety, requires planting in the fall into moist, fertile, acidic, humusy, and well-drained soils. While they appreciate full sun for the best bloom performance, they can tolerate partial shade as well. Plant the bulbs diligently, burying them 4 to 6 inches deep and spacing them about 6 inches apart in the ground.

During the spring growing period and while flowering in May, Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii ‘Blauwe Donau’ BLUE DANUBE requires consistent, regular moisture in the soil. Once the blooms fade and the foliage begins to decline as the plant prepares for summer dormancy, you can allow the soil to dry out significantly. Avoid disturbing established clumps whenever possible, as they establish themselves deep-rooted systems quickly.

Although patience is needed as plants grown from seed may take three to four years to produce flowers, established bulbs are exceptionally low-maintenance. This species possesses a notable tolerance for challenging ground conditions, including poor drainage and heavy clay soils.

Landscape Uses

The upright structure and rich color of Camass make it an excellent choice for mass plantings to create a significant spring impact. Planting in groups of at least fifteen bulbs is highly recommended for wildflower meadows, open woodland areas, or looser border drifts where their saturated blue color can truly shine. Due to its preference for moisture, Camassia leichtlinii subsp. Suksdorfii ‘Blauwe Donau’ BLUE DANUBE is perfectly suited for rain garden applications or as an accent point near the periphery of water gardens or ponds.

While generally too tall and large for formal mixed borders, its vertical nature allows it to complement shorter spring perennials or evergreens. When used in naturalized settings, the slightly declining summer foliage is less conspicuous, allowing other summer-blooming plants to take over the visual focus. Considering its tolerance for clay, look for partners that share similar moisture needs during the spring.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Good Cut

Noteworthy Characteristics

Camassia leichtlinii, sometimes called Leichtlin’s camass, is a spring-flowering bulbous perennial that typically grows on moist slopes and moist mountain meadows west of the Cascades and Sierras from British Columbia to southern California. Linear, strap-shaped leaves (up to 2’ long) typically form a 2’ clump of foliage. Star-shaped flowers (2-3” wide) in upright terminal racemes (20-80 flowers per raceme) open sequentially from bottom to top on stout, naked flowering stems that rise above the foliage clump to a height of 2.5-4’ tall in late spring. BLUE DANUBE produces dark blue flowers with attractive yellow stamens. The genus name originates from the Native American name ‘kamas,’ reflecting the historical use of the bulb as a food source.

Tolerances

• Clay Soil
• Dry Soil
• Wet Soil
• Black Walnut

Potential Problems

One of the great advantages of growing this Camass is its resistance; it rarely suffers from serious insect infestations or common garden diseases. The stems are naturally stout and strong, typically requiring no staking or physical support, even when reaching their maximum height of four feet. Gardeners should primarily focus on ensuring proper drainage during summer dormancy to prevent bulb rot, though the plant handles wet springs well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii ‘Blauwe Donau’ BLUE DANUBE suitable for?

This specific Camass cultivar is recommended for USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9.

How large does Camass grow?

When fully mature, you can expect Camassia leichtlinii subsp. Suksdorfii ‘Blauwe Donau’ BLUE DANUBE to reach between 3 and 4 feet in height, with a modest spread of 1 to 1.5 feet.

When does Camass bloom?

This bulb blooms reliably in May, providing striking dark blue flowers accented by bright yellow stamens, excellent for brightening the late spring garden palette.

What sun exposure does Camass need?

Camass performs best when situated in a location receiving full sun, though it will successfully grow in areas of part shade.

Conclusion

Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii ‘Blauwe Donau’ BLUE DANUBE offers exceptional structural height and vibrant color with minimal required care once established, making it a superb choice for naturalistic planting schemes. This wonderful Camass cultivar readily integrates into various moisture regimes, proving highly adaptable. Before planting this fall, confirm your garden is within Zones 5-9 and that you have planned appropriate companion species to manage the post-bloom foliage stage.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for Camass, focus on plants that thrive in similar moisture conditions during the spring but can tolerate drier soils once the Camass goes dormant in summer. Native grasses or hardy Geraniums work well as they can quickly fill the space as the Camass foliage fades. In rain garden settings, consider iris species that handle spring moisture or robust ferns that appreciate slightly dappled light later in the season.

Seasonal Care Calendar

In the fall, prioritize planting the Camass bulbs deeply (4-6 inches) to ensure strong stems next season. Through spring and early May, maintain medium moisture levels, especially while the Camass is actively blooming. Once flowering ceases, resist the urge to cut back the foliage immediately; allow the leaves to yellow and die back naturally over several weeks so the bulb can store energy for next year’s spectacular display of Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii ‘Blauwe Donau’ BLUE DANUBE flowers.