Overview
Camassia leichtlinii 'Pink Star' is a columnar upright, clump forming bulbs in the genus Camassia, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Camassia leichtlinii 'Pink Star' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, prairie planting and wildflower meadow.
About
Camassia leichtlinii 'Pink Star' is a perennial bulb that forms dense clumps and reaches approximately 80 cm in height. It features slender, upright green leaves. From late spring to early summer, it produces tall spikes adorned with clusters of pale pink, star-shaped blooms.
About the genus
Camassia is a group of bulbous perennials characterized by slender, channelled foliage and upright clusters of star-shaped flowers that range in color from violet-blue to creamy-white, typically blooming in early summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Camassia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Camassia leichtlinii 'Pink Star' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow
- Toxicity
- 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
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Camassia leichtlinii 'Pink Star'
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist but well-drained fertile, humus-rich soil in sun or part shade, providing a winter mulch. Plant bulbs 10cm deep in autumn. May have the potential to become a nuisance due to prolific self-seeding if not managed well This plant was part of the RHS Camassia (quamash) trial 2024-2026
- Pruning
- No pruning required. Deadhead faded flower spikes
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or remove offsets when dormant in summer - see bulb propagation
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Camassia leichtlinii 'Pink Star'?
Grow in moist but well-drained fertile, humus-rich soil in sun or part shade, providing a winter mulch. Plant bulbs 10cm deep in autumn. May have the potential to become a nuisance due to prolific self-seeding if not managed well This plant was part of the RHS Camassia (quamash) trial 2024-2026.
Where is the best place to plant Camassia leichtlinii 'Pink Star'?
Camassia leichtlinii 'Pink Star' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Camassia leichtlinii 'Pink Star' need?
Camassia leichtlinii 'Pink Star' grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Camassia leichtlinii 'Pink Star'?
No pruning required. Deadhead faded flower spikes.
How big does Camassia leichtlinii 'Pink Star' grow?
Camassia leichtlinii 'Pink Star' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Camassia leichtlinii 'Pink Star' hardy in the UK?
Camassia leichtlinii 'Pink Star' has a UK hardiness rating of H4.
How do I propagate Camassia leichtlinii 'Pink Star'?
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or remove offsets when dormant in summer - see bulb propagation.
Is Camassia leichtlinii 'Pink Star' toxic?
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.