Overview
Camassia leichtlinii 'Orion' is a perennial in the genus Camassia, part of the Q157167 family. Camassia leichtlinii 'Orion' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Western North America.
About
Quamash (Camassia leichtlinii 'Orion') is a perennial of the genus Camassia that flowers in May to June. It prefers full sun and a moist but well-drained soil, tolerating sandy, loamy or clay textures. Rated H7, it is fully hardy in UK gardens and corresponds to USDA zones 3–7. Native to western North America, it suits sunny, moisture-retentive sites in borders or naturalised groups.
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
In the garden
Quamash (Camassia leichtlinii 'Orion') is a perennial from western North America that offers a distinct spring presence with a flowering period in May to June. It belongs to the genus Camassia and is grown for its concentrated spring display rather than summer interest. Choose a sunny, open position: the cultivar requires full sun and performs in a range of soils from sandy through loam to heavier clay, provided the soil remains moist but well-drained. It carries an H7 rating, which means it is fully hardy in UK gardens; the USDA equivalent is zones 3–7. Avoid deep shade and very dry sites where moisture cannot be maintained in spring. In the garden it works well in sunlit herbaceous borders, naturalised drifts where soil conditions suit, and moist edge plantings that receive good light. Plant where it can be seen in spring, as the main interest occurs during the May to June flowering window and then quiets afterwards, allowing later perennials to take over.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Camassia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Camassia leichtlinii 'Orion' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Native to
- Western North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Camassia leichtlinii 'Orion'
- Propagation
- By seed, division
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Camassia leichtlinii 'Orion'?
Camassia leichtlinii 'Orion' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Camassia leichtlinii 'Orion' need?
Camassia leichtlinii 'Orion' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Camassia leichtlinii 'Orion' hardy in the UK?
Camassia leichtlinii 'Orion' 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 'Orion'?
By seed, division.
More in the Camassia genus
- Camassia cusickiiCusick's camass
- Camassia leichtliniicamass Caerulea Group
- Camassia leichtlinii 'Atroviolacea'Great Camas
- Camassia leichtlinii 'Eve Price'Great Camas
- Camassia leichtlinii 'Plena'Quamash
- Camassia leichtlinii 'Sky Blue'
- Camassia leichtlinii var. suksdorfiiQuamash
