Wildlife value of Camassia — an unexpected bonus

I planted Camassia primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. increasing clump size year on year when well established seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a mixed border with later-emerging perennials to hide dying foliage which allows me to watch the activity up close. summer bulbs like gladiolus and allium extending the season is the most active period for wildlife visits. leaving foliage to die back naturally after flowering is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. bulb rot from waterlogging in poorly drained soil is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.