Camassia leichtlinii
Leichtlin's camass
- Height × spread
- 0.9m – 1.2m × 0.3m – 0.3m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This flowers from May to July with flowers in shades of blue and white. They are carried on long upright stems and are starry in effect. They enjoy heavy soil and plenty of moisture during spring. They can be grown in open woodland or in meadows, usefully taking some shade. The identity of the different forms of Camassia is problematic. The leichtlinii forms is variable across its range. It is generally larger and there are two distinct subspecies. In both forms the flowers are larger than those of Camassia quamash with quite broad individual petals (technically tepals) that are evenly spaced. When the fruit capsule develops these petals twist together and dry out wrapping round the fruit capsule and shriveling. There is a semi double white flowering form available. There are two subspecies: Camassia leichtlinii subsp. leichtlinii has pale flowers generally cream coloured. There is a semi-double flowering form available. Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii is versatile and may indeed be a dwarf standing only 15 cm in height when growing in rocky places often at altitude. The flowers are generally blue but there is a white form.
- Flower colour
- Blue, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 0.9m – 1.2m
- Spread
- 0.3m – 0.3m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Gravel garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Bee attraction
- Hazards
- No
AutumnNow
Autumn - late · Outdoors
Apply mulch
Spread organic material around the plant being careful not to bury its crown, or to put the mulch above the point at which the plant has been grafted in the case of trees.
A mulch is a covering that can: protect the soil surface from rain, heat and cold; deter weeds; provide nutrients. Organic indicates that material has vegetative origin e.g. manure, compost. Synthetics i.e. plastics, or stones are often called mulches.
Autumn - mid · Planting
Divide while dormant
Clumps of bulbs, corms or rhizomes can be divided when the plant is dormant. The divided bulbs or corms can immediately be replanted at a little distance from each other, or moved to other locations.
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with sequestrol
If plants are acid loving and grown in soil with little acidity, or in a container, or are watered with limey tap water an annual feed with sequestrol (iron chelate) is highly beneficial. Follow guidelines on the packet. Will also 'blue-up' hydrangeas.
For hydrangeas that have good blue flowers in acid soil, this product can be used with alkaline soil to turn the flowers blue. This is most effective when the soil is neutral or just slightkly alkaline.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Found in
More Camassia
Camassia
Quamash, Camass
Camassia cusickii
Cusick's camass
Camassia leichtlinii 'Alba'
Leichtlin's camass
Camassia leichtlinii 'Maybelle'
Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii
Leichtlin's suksdorfii camass
Camassia quamash 'Orion'
Common quamash
Camassia cusickii
Cusick's camass
Camassia leichtlinii 'Caerulea'