Product description
Camassia Leichtlinii Alba produces large racemes on tall erect stems and from these form six-petalled, star-shaped creamy white petals with yellow anthers and pale green centres. Blooms open in a cascading effect starting from the lowermost portion of the buds and slowing moving upwards the highest blooms eventually revealing their stunning white stars
Amazing blooms for naturalising, Camassia Leichtlinii Alba is a fantastic meadow or woodland plant that will produce blankets of creamy white blooms. Excellent for use in beds and borders for the home garden, Camassia will also do well in pots and containers and are special cut flowers that continue to open.
Camassia has several different names and is commonly known as Camass, Wild Hyacinth or Quamash. Tolerant of moister conditions, Camassia grows well in moist, fertile soils in dappled shade to full sun. Historically used as a food source by indigenous peoples and settlers in the U.S., now Camassia is grown commercially for its beautiful blooms.
Numerous flowers form on upright racemes grown from a central bulb. As the plant matures, more and more strap-like foliage will be produced. Excellent naturalising characteristics, left to its own, Camassia will settle a hospitable area. Bulbils or smaller bulb-like offshoots from the main bulb are the main method of propagation for the species.
While tolerant of more moist conditions, Camassia is not tolerant of being submerged in water. Appreciative of sunny areas, plant Camassia in areas where it is most likely to receive plentiful amounts of sun. Great for naturalising, Camassia needs time to allow the foliage to die down and restore energy to the bulb before being mowed or cut.
Plant the bulbs in the autumn about 10cm deep with a distance of about 10-15cm between bulbs. Grown in blankets or beds, Camassia is quite splendid with a niche blooming time that arrives after many of the larger Tulip varieties of spring, but before the main blooms of summer.
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Planting and flowering times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
When the foliage starts to yellow and die back at the end of the season, resist the urge to prune it. Allowing the plant to die back naturally enhances its energy levels, resulting in a wonderful display of flowers the following year.
How to Water
Water thoroughly when planting. After this, camassias planted in the ground should only need to be watered during dry spells. Bulbs grown in pots and containers will need watering more regularly to prevent the soil from drying out.
How to Plant
In autumn, choose a sunny spot in moist soil and use a bulb planter or trowel to dig holes around 10cm apart. Place one bulb 10-15cm deep in each hole. Ensure the pointed end faces upwards then backfill the hole with soil, firm down, and water in well.