Camassia leichtlinii (Baker) S. Watson
Californian white quamash
Has rather lax foliage which dies back quickly, and strong, erect flower stems to 130cm tall, bearing long spikes of many flowers in various shades from white to blue in late spring and early summer
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Cream White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Camassia are bulbous perennials with narrow, channelled leaves and erect racemes of star-shaped violet-blue or creamy-white flowers in early summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained fertile, humus-rich soil in sun or part shade, providing a winter mulch. Do not allow soil to become waterlogged. Plant bulbs 10cm deep in autumn. May have the potential to become a nuisance due to prolific self-seeding if not managed well
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or remove offsets when dormant in summer - see bulb propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back old or damaged growth as it deteriorates
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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