Sisyrinchium
Blue eyed grass
- Height × spread
- 0.15m – 0.6m × 0.1m – 0.45m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around 90 species of these, both annual and perennial forms. They derive from the Americas and there are a number of cultivars available. A number of these plants are known in gardens. They largely include small forms that are suited to rock gardens, raised beds or are grown under glass. They have rather rigid leaves and delight with their masses of starry flowers. Sisyrinchium 'California Skies' has blue flowers whilst subtle 'Biscutella' has brownish yellow blooms. The rock garden varieties tend to stand around 15 cm in height and are summer flowering. In addition to these the striking Sisyrinchium striatum and its variegated form look like small irises and are often grown in borders. These have creamy flowers on upright stems and may reach 80 cm in height. It is summer flowering. They need sunny positions and well drained soil.
- Flower colour
- Beige, Blue, Brown, Cream, Mauve, White, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green, Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column, Dome, Fan
- Height
- 0.15m – 0.6m
- Spread
- 0.1m – 0.45m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Rock garden, Mediterranean garden, Gravel garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Deer resistant, Bee attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Feed a general fertiliser
Where plants have moderate needs for nutrients, they can simply be given a general feed, fairly early in the growth season so that the growth has plenty of time to harden off before the cold weather.
Give plants a general boost with the application of a general purpose fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plant, with amounts as directed on the feed label.
Found in
More Sisyrinchium
Sisyrinchium 'Biscutella'
Blue eyed grass
Sisyrinchium 'California Skies'
Blue eyed grass
Sisyrinchium 'Sapphire'
Hybrid satin flower
Sisyrinchium californicum Brachypus Group
California satin flower
Sisyrinchium idahoense 'Rocky Point'
Idaho satin flower
Sisyrinchium idahoense var. bellum
Idaho satin flower
Sisyrinchium striatum
Blue eyed grass
Sisyrinchium striatum 'Aunt May'
Blue eyed grass