Great camas
Camassia leichtlinii · Asparagaceae
📷 Epibase · CC BY 3.0
⚠️ Bulbes contiennent alcaloïdes toxiques; ingestion provoque nausées, vomissements, diarrhée chez animaux/enfants.
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant great camas: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Botanical family
- Asparagaceae
- Plant type
- Perennial bulb
- Adult height
- 60 to 80 cm
- Flowering
- May to June
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15 °C)
- Origin
- Western United States (California, Oregon)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Plant bulbs in autumn in rich, well-draining soil that stays fresh in spring, then let them dry out after flowering.
The common mistake
Impatience: cutting back foliage as soon as flowers fade or weeding clumsily, which breaks the underground stems that are still growing.
The pro's trick
Group bulbs in small clusters: you'll get a more generous effect than planting them individually.
Care
Sunlight
Leichtlin's camas appreciates full sun for generous flowering and well-upright stems. It also tolerates partial shade, but will flower less densely. Place it in an airy location, protected from strong winds.
Soil and planting
Plant the bulbs in autumn (September to November) in well-draining soil, rich in organic matter. Bury them 10 cm deep, spaced 15 to 20 cm apart. Camas hate stagnant moisture and compacted soils.
Watering
Water regularly during growth and flowering (spring). Once established, the plant resists summer drought well thanks to its bulb reserves. Drastically reduce watering after flowering and foliage die-back.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer during spring growth. A dose of bulb fertilizer at planting time is often sufficient for the first few years. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and deadheading
No pruning is necessary. Simply remove faded flowers to encourage seed production or for aesthetics. Let the foliage die back naturally after flowering (it feeds the bulb for the following year).
Pests and diseases
Camas is very robust and rarely affected by diseases. Bulb rot can occur with chronic soil waterlogging. Avoid excessive winter moisture and ensure optimal drainage to prevent any fungal issues.
Did you know?
Leichtlin's camas was once a precious food source for indigenous peoples of California and Oregon, who harvested and cooked the bulbs. Its English vernacular name, "Indian potato," testifies to this long history of food and cultural use in North America.
Where to buy it
Plant the bulbs in autumn for spring flowering. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from September to November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.