There around 90 known species in the genus Sisyrinchium, native to North and South America. They are found in a wide range of habitats including mountainous regions, meadows, and coastal sands. Some of the shallow rooted species may die suddenly after some years.
Sisyrinchium graminoides 'Lucerne' is often referred to as 'Blue Eyed Grass', but it is technically not an ornamental grass. The grass-like foliage forms compact clumps that are topped with bright purplish-blue, star-like flowers with a bright yellow throat. Perfect for rock gardens or in front of the perennial border!
Sisyrinchium graminoides is synonymous with Sisyrinchium angustifolia.
| Plant Types: | Perennial |
| Light: | Partial Shade to Full Sun |
| Height: | 1 foot 8 inches |
| Width: | 6 inches |
| Zones: | 5a to 8b |
| Bloom Color: | Blue, Yellow |
| Bloom Seasons: | Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer |
| Special Features: | North American native |
| Shape: | Upright or erect |
| Fertilizer: | Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food |
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Propagate from the seed. Sow seeds in containers in a cold frame in fall or early spring. Cold frames are protective structures, located outside for propagating and growing plants. Some species self seed freely, like S. californicum, S. graminoides, and S. idahoense. Conduct division in spring. Division entails propagating a plant by splitting it into 2 or more parts. Each part has its own root system and more than one shoot or dormant bud.
Does best with full sun exposure. Where Sisyrinchium is not growing hardy, raise plants in a cool greenhouse or alpine house. Cool greenhouses have a minimum temperature of 35ºF (2ºC). During the day, set temperatures between 41-50ºF (5-10ºC), and at night, keep the temperature at 36ºF (2ºC). Where hardy, smaller species work nicely in a rock garden or gravel planting. Taller ones are suitable for a herbaceous border.
Blooms star, cup, or trumpet shaped flowers in a range of colors such as white, yellow, blue, and mauve.
Grows best in soil that is poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, and neutral to slightly alkaline. Protect plants from excessive moisture during the winter.
Does fine in poor to moderately fertile soil.
Maintain a healthy framework.
Affected by spider mites, aphids, and rust.