Camassia leichtlinii (Baker) S. Watson

RHS Plant Profile
Californian white quamash

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Californian white quamash RHS
Californian white quamash RHS

Other common names

large camas

Synonyms

Camassia leichtlinii subsp. typica

Bulbs
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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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming, Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
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