Members of the Sisyrinchium genus can be either hardy or half hardy perennials, and reach an height of between 30 and 90 cm (1 to 3 feet).
Sisyrinchium plants bloom from spring to summer and carry small star shaped flowers atop long stems; these may be blue, yellow, purple or white.
The main common names for Sisyrinchium plants is the Blue Eyed Grass.
Sisyrinchium bellum, the Western Blue-eyed grass, photograph by John Rusk; CC.
Sisyrinchium angustifolium, the Narrow-leaf blue-eyed grass, photograph by Melissa McMasters; CC.
Sisyrinchium angustifolium 'Lucerne' cultivar, photograph by Andrey Zharkikh; CC.
Sisyrinchium campestre, the Prairie blue-eyed grass, image by Joshua Mayer; CC.
Sisyrinchium montanum, the American blue-eyed grass, photograph by Yellowstone National Park; CC.
Sisyrinchium albidum White blue-eyed grass photograph by Frank Mayfield; CC.
Sisyrinchium idahoense, the Idaho blue eyed grass, photograph by Jim Morefield; CC.
Sisyrinchium striatum Satin flower photograph by Rob Hodgkins; CC.
It is best to first sow the seeds of Sisyrinchium plant species such as Blue Eyed Grass in flats in the autumn (for spring sowing see further down the page).
The Seeds should be sown at a depth of 6 mm (1/4 inch). The flats should then be wrapped in a plastic bag and placed in the fridge for three weeks. The flat should then be sunk into the ground in a shady part of the garden and covered in glass.
The Blue eyed grass seeds should take anything from one to six months to germinate.
Sisyrinchium cuspidatum by Dick Culbert.
Once the seedlings emerge, transplant them into a sunny part of the garden that has a slightly acidic soil (pH 5 to 6.5) that is moist and fertile. Depending on the species size, plants should be spaced 10 cm (small) to 40 cm (large) apart.
Blue eyed grass and other Sisyrinchium plants require only a little looking after; they like a moist soil so water frequently and do not allow the soil to dry out. Once they have finished blooming cut back the stems to ground level.
As plants may become invasive it is necessary to remove any plants that are not wanted.
If you require more plants and do not want to grow Sisyrinchium from seed then they can be propagated by division in the spring.
The Sisyrinchium genus, commonly known as Blue-eyed Grass, contains about 150 species.
Yes, Sisyrinchium makes a charming addition to gardens with its grass-like foliage and small, star-shaped flowers.
The most commonly grown species is Sisyrinchium angustifolium, also known as Narrow-leaf Blue-eyed Grass.
While not particularly known for their fragrance, Sisyrinchium species are admired for their delicate, attractive flowers.
Sisyrinchium prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. They are excellent for borders, rock gardens, and naturalized areas.
At present, Sisyrinchium is not listed as invasive in the USA. Always consult local guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
To remove Sisyrinchium, dig up the entire plant including the root system to prevent regrowth.
The Sisyrinchium genus is made up of perennial plants native to the Americas. Despite their common name, they are not grasses but are part of the iris family and are recognized for their grass-like foliage and small, star-shaped flowers.
Grow Sisyrinchium from seeds or division, usually in spring. They thrive in full sun to light shade and prefer well-drained soil. Regular watering is required, particularly during dry periods, and deadheading can help to encourage a longer flowering period.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Sisyrinchium. You may also enjoy the following growing guides: How to grow Freesia and Crocus.