Overview
Camassia leichtlinii 'Alba' is a clump forming, columnar upright perennial bulb in the genus Camassia, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Camassia leichtlinii 'Alba' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, naturalizing and wildflower gardens. It is native to Western North America.
About
Camassia leichtlinii, the great camas or large camas, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae. This herbaceous perennial is native to western North America in British Columbia, Canada and California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington, in the United States.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Camassia leichtlinii
About the genus
Camassia is a genus of plants in the asparagus family native to North America. Common names include camas, quamash, Indian hyacinth, camash, and wild hyacinth.
Wikipedia contributors, "Camassia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Camassia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Camassia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Camassia leichtlinii 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial bulb
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Borders, naturalizing, wildflower gardens
- Native to
- Western North America
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested raw
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Camassia leichtlinii 'Alba'
- Cultivation
- Plant bulbs in autumn in well-drained soil; prefers moist conditions during growing season
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower stalks after blooming
- Propagation
- By seed or bulb division
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Camassia leichtlinii 'Alba'?
Plant bulbs in autumn in well-drained soil; prefers moist conditions during growing season.
Where is the best place to plant Camassia leichtlinii 'Alba'?
Camassia leichtlinii 'Alba' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Camassia leichtlinii 'Alba' need?
Camassia leichtlinii 'Alba' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Camassia leichtlinii 'Alba'?
Remove spent flower stalks after blooming.
Is Camassia leichtlinii 'Alba' hardy in the UK?
Camassia leichtlinii 'Alba' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Camassia leichtlinii 'Alba'?
By seed or bulb division.
Is Camassia leichtlinii 'Alba' toxic?
Toxic if ingested raw.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Camassia genus
- Camassia leichtliniicamass Caerulea Group
- Camassia leichtlinii 'Atroviolacea'Great Camas
- Camassia leichtlinii 'Eve Price'Great Camas
- Camassia leichtlinii 'Orion'Quamash
- Camassia leichtlinii 'Plena'Quamash
- Camassia leichtlinii var. suksdorfiiQuamash