Troubleshooting
Camassia leichtlinii problems — and how to fix them
Camassia leichtlinii (Camassia leichtlinii) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Bulbs rot in dry, sharp-draining soil
Camas wants spring moisture; planting it in a hot, fast-draining bed meant for tulips leaves it weak and short-lived. Give it heavier, moisture-retentive ground.
Few or no flowers
Usually too much shade, overcrowding, or a bulb planted too shallow. Plant 10-15 cm deep in sun and lift congested clumps every few years.
Untidy dying foliage
Leaves yellow and collapse after flowering. Resist cutting them back early; let them die down naturally to recharge the bulb, then tidy away.
Slow to establish
Newly planted bulbs and seedlings can take two to four years to settle and bloom freely. Patience and an undisturbed position pay off.
Prevent camassia leichtlinii problems before they start
Most camassia leichtlinii issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for camassia leichtlinii in general rather than its problems? Read the full camassia leichtlinii care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Camassia leichtlinii problems — FAQ
Why is my camassia leichtlinii bulbs rot in dry, sharp-draining soil?
Camas wants spring moisture; planting it in a hot, fast-draining bed meant for tulips leaves it weak and short-lived. Give it heavier, moisture-retentive ground.
Why is my camassia leichtlinii few or no flowers?
Usually too much shade, overcrowding, or a bulb planted too shallow. Plant 10-15 cm deep in sun and lift congested clumps every few years.
Why is my camassia leichtlinii untidy dying foliage?
Leaves yellow and collapse after flowering. Resist cutting them back early; let them die down naturally to recharge the bulb, then tidy away.
Why is my camassia leichtlinii slow to establish?
Newly planted bulbs and seedlings can take two to four years to settle and bloom freely. Patience and an undisturbed position pay off.