Planting and Growing Native Flower Bulbs for Pollinators
One of the most rewarding ways to support pollinators and add beauty to your yard or community space is by planting native bulbs. Some of the Willamette Valley’s most spectacular wildflowers grow from bulbs, bringing color and life to the landscape early in spring. These plants don’t just look amazing—they also provide crucial forage for pollinators when few other flowers are blooming.
Below, we’ll share general planting and growing instructions for native bulbs and then spotlight three locally sourced species you’ll find at the Native Plant & Seed Library this fall: Camas Lily, Narrowleaf Onion, and Ookow.
🌱 General Planting Guidance
Planting Depth & Orientation
A simple rule of thumb: plant bulbs 2–3 times as deep as they are wide/tall. For example, a bulb 1 cm wide should be planted about 2–3 cm deep. If rodents or other animals are a concern, you can plant bulbs deeper—don’t worry about planting orientation. Bulbs naturally “self-correct” underground and will grow toward the light.
Seasonal Growth & Dormancy
Native bulbs bloom early in spring, usually April through June.
They flower and set seed by mid-summer, then go completely dormant by late July.
During dormancy, bulbs can be safely transplanted, divided, or stored for up to three months without harm.
Site & Soil Conditions
Native bulbs are surprisingly adaptable:
They grow well in rocky, gravelly, or compacted soils, as well as old fields or waste areas.
For best success, clear existing vegetation, scatter bulbs at your desired spacing, and cover them with clean soil or compost.
These species evolved for wet winters and dry summers—once established, they need little to no irrigation as long as spring soils remain moist through flowering.
Spacing Approaches
Budget-conscious projects: use wider spacing between bulbs and patches.
Showy landscaping projects: plant bulbs more densely in clusters for stunning, colorful spring displays.
Mixing species extends bloom time, ensuring flowers from April through June or later.
Pollinator Benefits
Native bulbs are ecological powerhouses. Their early and mid-season flowers provide food for:
Beetles 🪲
Flies 🪰
Butterflies & moths 🦋
Bees 🐝 (especially our native solitary bees)
By planting bulbs, you’re creating critical habitat and helping pollinators thrive.
🌼 Species Spotlights
Camas Lily (Camassia quamash)
Height: 12–24 inches
Light: Full to partial sun
Soil: Moist to seasonally wet soils; tolerates clay
Bloom Time: April–May
Planting Depth: ~3–5 inches (depending on bulb size)
Notes: Camas is one of the most iconic native bulbs of the Pacific Northwest. Indigenous peoples relied on its starchy bulbs as a staple food. Its blue-violet flowers form dense patches that support bees and butterflies.
Narrowleaf Onion (Allium amplectens)
Height: 6–16 inches
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy or gravelly areas
Bloom Time: May–June
Planting Depth: ~2–3 inches
Notes: A member of the onion family, Narrowleaf Onion produces clusters of white-to-pink star-shaped flowers that are highly attractive to native bees and flies. It thrives in poor soils where other plants may struggle.
Ookow (Dichelostemma congestum)
Height: 12–24 inches
Light: Full sun to light shade
Soil: Prefers dry, well-drained soils
Bloom Time: May–June
Planting Depth: ~3–5 inches
Notes: Ookow produces striking purple-blue flower clusters atop tall stems. It is especially valuable for supporting native bees and butterflies in early summer. Once established, it spreads slowly and forms showy drifts over time.
🌿 Why Native Bulbs Matter
Native bulbs like camas, narrowleaf onion, and ookow are perfectly adapted to our climate and soils. Once planted, they return year after year, requiring little maintenance and no irrigation through summer droughts. Best of all, they bloom when pollinators need them most, providing nectar and pollen for a wide range of species.
When you plant native bulbs, you’re not just creating beauty—you’re building habitat, supporting biodiversity, and helping to restore the natural heritage of the Willamette Valley and beyond.
👉 Ready to plant? Bulbs are available this fall at the Native Plant & Seed Library. Come pick up a few, try them in your garden, and be part of growing a healthier, pollinator-friendly Vancouver!