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Camassia leichtlinii Silk River

Camassia leichtlinii Silk River
Large Camas, Great Camas, Leichtlin's Camas

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A small variety, between 30 and 50 cm in height, that produces a myriad of open star-shaped, soft cream-white flowers along its erect flower stalks in May-June, opening from the bottom to the top. Smaller than other varieties, it is perfect for borders as well as pots.
Flower size
4 cm
Height at maturity
40 cm
Spread at maturity
30 cm
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -23°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil, Damp soil
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Recommended planting time August to October
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Flowering time May to June
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Description

Camassia leichtlinii 'Silk River' is a relatively recent cultivar of this attractive perennial bulb with a bushy habit. Its lime-green buds open to reveal star-shaped open flowers that are held in masses along the stems and open from the bottom up. They are cream-white with a green centre and purple anthers. 'Silk River' has a more compact growth than other camassias, reaching a maximum height of 50 cm.

The Camassia, also known as Quamash, is now part of the Asparagaceae family, like asparagus. Native to Oregon in the northwest United States, the plant is very hardy. It can be found in borders, rockeries, fields, as well as rocky gardens, as it is a plant that adapts easily. Camassia leichtlinii is named after the German horticulturist Max Leichtlinn, a 19th-century bulb specialist. 'Silk River' is a cultivar that reaches a height of 30 to 50 cm when fully grown. Its linear leaves are bright green and measure between 20 and 60 cm long. They form a basal clump from which the flowering stems emerge. The large open star-shaped flower spikes, held on floral stems, measure between 10 and 30 cm long in May and June. The inflorescence opens from the bottom up. The 4 cm diameter flowers are composed of 6 petals that twist as they fade. Camassia is a vegetable plant that has an edible bulb, consumed by Native American tribes. These bulbs, however, are not liked by rodents, which allows the plant to be among the most resilient bulbs along with daffodils.

Camassia leichtlinii 'Silk River', a plant of wet meadows in its natural habitat, can be grown in full sun or partial shade in wet to moist, fertile, and humus-bearing soil. It tolerates slightly heavy clay soils as long as there is drainage in winter. Planted with spring bulbs such as alliums, Fritillaries, or Tulips, it brings life to borders with its beautiful, large flowers. Its unsightly foliage after flowering can be hidden by perennials with foliage or later flowering, such as Hardy Geraniums in the sun or Hostas and Heucheras in partial shade. In cottage gardens, Delphiniums or bellflowers take over. You can also grow this small Camassia in a container on a terrace or balcony. Its flowers are also beautiful in bouquets.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 40 cm
Spread at maturity 30 cm
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time May to June
Flower size 4 cm
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Camassia

Species

leichtlinii

Cultivar

Silk River

Family

Asparagaceae (Liliaceae)

Other common names

Large Camas, Great Camas, Leichtlin's Camas

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference22692

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Planting and care

Plant Camassia Leichtlinii Silk River in partial shade or full sun in a fertile, humus-bearing and well-drained soil. It also tolerates heavy and clay soils, provided that the soil drainage is improved so that the bulbs can survive the winter without any problems. Plant it in autumn at a depth of 10 cm and space the bulbs 20 cm apart. Water it regularly but not excessively to avoid the plant rotting due to stagnant moisture. Camassia naturalises very well when left undisturbed. Mulch in winter in regions with harsh winters. Once the flowers have faded, remove the flower stalks, leaving the stem. Remove the foliage when it turns yellow. The perennial returns each year with increasing vigour and more abundant flowers. Aphids and slugs may attack Camassia, but they cause very little damage as the plant is very robust.

Planting period

Recommended planting time August to October
Planting depth 10 cm

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Border
Hardiness Hardy down to -23°C (USDA zone 6a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 25 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Moist soil, Damp soil, Well-drained soil

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil, Damp soil
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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