Camassia leichtlinii Silk River

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.