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| Category: Perennial |
| Family: Iridaceae (Irises) |
| Origin: California (U.S.A.) |
| California Native (Plant List): Yes |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Purple |
| Bloomtime: Spring |
| Height: 1 foot |
| Width: 1-2 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 0-10° F |
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Sisyrinchium bellum (Blue-eyed Grass) -This California native clump-forming perennial has narrow bluish green grass-like leaf blades that stand erect to 6 to 12 inches tall. In the later winter to late spring (January to June) rises from the base the branched stalk bearing umbrella-like clusters of small six petaled metallic purple-blue flowers that have yellow centers. Flowering is followed by dark brown fruit which often release abundant seed, allowing the spread of the plant in the garden. Plant in sun or part shade in pretty much any soil, sandy or heavy, so long as there is drainage. It requires little irrigation and tolerates non- irrigated areas but will also do well in a moderately well-watered garden – it is summer dormant when not irrigated though this period is much shorter in cooler coastal gardens. Cold hardy to at least 0° F and some report to below -15° F. Blue-eyed Grass is native to much of California (including Baja California) below 6,000 feet north to Oregon. A great plant in combination with bunch grasses, sedges, California Poppy and Lupine for a natural meadow or in the mixed border or even a container planting. Is particularly useful in heavier soils where other plants have a more difficult time and once planted will often colonize into open spaces in the garden. To tidy up plantings a summer to fall trim while dormant is recommended but not necessary.
This information about Sisyrinchium bellum displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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