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Sisyrinchium bellum (Blue-Eyed Grass)

Blue-Eyed Grass, Western Blue-Eyed Grass, Californian Blue-Eyed Grass, Sisyrinchium idahoense var. bellum

Sisyrinchium bellum, Blue-Eyed Grass, Western Blue-Eyed Grass, Californian Blue-Eyed Grass, Sisyrinchium idahoense var. bellum, perennial plants, long-lasting flowers, Blue Flowers, Ground Cover

Sisyrinchium bellum (Blue-Eyed Grass) is an erect, clump-forming, semi-evergreen perennial noted for its narrow, sword-shaped, blue-green leaves and its clusters of small, blue to violet-blue flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), adorned with yellow centers. Each flower lasts only one day, but they are produced in great quantities. Borne atop flattened, branched flowering stems, they bloom for a long period extending from late winter to early summer. The flowers are followed by dark brown fruit which often releases abundant seeds, allowing the spread of the plant in the garden. Charming and easy to grow, Blue-Eyed Grass is a terrific plant for meadows, mixed borders, or even containers.

  • This plant is quite variable in flower color, size, and growth habit. Grows up to 3-18 in. high (7-45 cm) and 4-24 in. wide (10-60 cm). Will freely self-seed under satisfying growing conditions.
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade, in well-drained soils. It prefers moist to wet conditions, especially in spring. After flowering, it dies back to the ground and is dormant over the summer. Although dormant, this plant is more likely to survive the summer drought with occasional watering.
  • An ideal addition to borders, prairies and meadows, and cottage gardens. Excellent as a groundcover.
  • Easily grown from seeds sown in fall or from root divisions. Divide the clumps just as the grass-like foliage is appearing. Plants from seed will flower the second year.
  • Native to California and Oregon
  • Discover 50 California wildflowers for every garden

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 8
Heat Zones 7 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Iridaceae
Genus Sisyrinchium
Common names Blue-Eyed Grass
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Winter
Height 3" - 2' (8cm - 60cm)
Spread 4" - 2' (10cm - 60cm)
Spacing 4" (10cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants California, United States, Oregon, Pacific Northwest
Tolerance Drought
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Sisyrinchium mucronatum (Needletip Blue-Eyed Grass)
Sisyrinchium californicum (Golden Blue-Eyed Grass)
Olsynium douglasii (Grass Widow)
Sisyrinchium angustifolium ‘Lucerne’ (Blue-Eyed Grass)
Sisyrinchium angustifolium (Blue-Eyed Grass)
Sisyrinchium striatum (Pale Yellow-Eyed Grass)

Recommended Companion Plants

Geum triflorum (Prairie Smoke)
Armeria maritima (Sea Thrift)
Eschscholzia californica (California Poppy)
Eriogonum fasciculatum (California Buckwheat)
Pinus ponderosa (Ponderosa Pine)
Arbutus menziesii (Madrone)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

50 Blue Wildflowers for Every Garden
50 California Wildflowers: From Desert Blooms to Coastal Gems
50 Texas Wildflowers to Brighten Your Garden
50 Native Wildflowers for North Carolina
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 8
Heat Zones 7 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Iridaceae
Genus Sisyrinchium
Common names Blue-Eyed Grass
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Winter
Height 3" - 2' (8cm - 60cm)
Spread 4" - 2' (10cm - 60cm)
Spacing 4" (10cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants California, United States, Oregon, Pacific Northwest
Tolerance Drought
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Sisyrinchium
Not sure which Sisyrinchium to pick?
Compare Now

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