Camassia leichtlinii 'Maybelle'

Sometimes known as wild hyacinths, camassias come from North America where the huge bulbs were a traditional wild food crop. They are striking plants when in flower, very long-lived and a perfect choice for naturalising in long grass and wildflower gardens, or in a bog garden which will satisfy their love of moist conditions – unusually for bulbs, they will even tolerate wet soil in winter.

Camassia leichtlinii 'Maybelle' is slightly shorter and later flowering than the species. Its blooms are an intense purple-blue. For best effect, plant Camassia leichtlinii 'Maybelle' in large drifts so its blooms can make a dramatic impact.