About
Camassia leichtlinii 'Silk River' is a deciduous perennial bulb that typically grows to a height of approximately 80 cm. It features slender, upright green leaves that form dense clumps. From late spring through early summer, this plant produces spikes adorned with compact, star-shaped flowers that emerge from lime green buds, displaying a creamy-white hue.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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