Blue-Eyed Grass

Thu, 05/06/2010 - 8:36am — Cristine Mortensen
blue.eyed.grass.marianne.jpg
Photo Credit: 
Marianne Mueller, PADG
Botanical Name: 
Sisyrinchium bellum
Pronunciation: 
si-si-RINK-ee-um BEL-lum
Common Name: 
Blue-Eyed Grass
Plant Type: 
Perennial
Mature Size: 
12 inches high x 6 inches - 2 feet wide
Water Requirements: 
Low: water every 3 weeks until the root ball is wet
Sun/Shade Requirements: 
Full to half sun
Flower Color : 
Blue

This California native plant has green or bluish green strappy leaves. In early spring small blue flowers cover the plant.

In the Water Wise Garden Sisyrinchium bellum dies back when the weather gets hot, then we remove the dried foliage.  With additional water throughout the summer, plants will stay evergreen and continue to occasionally rebloom.  Some reseeding will occur, but not aggressively. 

They are showiest when planted in masses.  People love these little flowers, the clear blue is eye-catching in the spring garden. There are different cultivars that offer subtle variations.