Blue-eyed grass is an easy-to-grow perennial with pretty blue flowers from spring into summer.
Denny Schrock
Star-shaped, blue-purple flowers decorate blue-eyed grass(Sisyrinchiumspp.)
in spring and early summer.
Credit:Denny Schrock
Although “grass” is in its name, blue-eyed grass is actually in the iris family.
Its sturdy leaves remain green and upright throughout the growing season.
Blue-eyed grass complements a host of perennials.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Plant it at the base ofclematisas an easy-care groundcover.
Partner it withNew Zealand flaxand enjoy the distinct textures of both plants' straplike leaves.
Blue-eyed grass also pairs well with all types ofroses; both plants grow well in loamy, well-drained soil.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
It grows best in loamy soil that drains well.
It is also a good choice for rock gardens and woodland gardens.
Plant nursery-grown transplants 18 to 24 inches apart in early spring in moist, well-draining soil.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Water the plants regularly through the first growing season to promote a robust root system.
Blanket the soil around plants with a 2-inch-thicklayer of mulchto prevent soil moisture loss.
(Commercial seeds come pre-stratified.)
Credit: Andy Lyons
Barely cover them; they need light to germinate.
Keep them in a bright, cool room.
Seeds sown in spring produce plants that won’t flower the first year.
Credit: Justin Hancock
Soil and Water
Blue-eyed grass prefers moist, well-drained soil.
The plant enjoys average humidity and tolerates low humidity.
Fertilizer
An annual tool of compost is all this plant needs.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
Don’t apply any commercial fertilizer; overfertilization causes the plants to become spindly.
Plants benefit from being divided every few years in early spring to maintain vigorous growth.
Pests and Problems
Blue-eyed grass has no problems with most pests or diseases.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
Even deer leave it alone.
How to Propagate Blue-Eyed Grass
Blue-eyed grass can bepropagated by divisionand seed.
Shake the clump or spray it with a garden hose to wash away excess soil on the roots.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Pull the clump into sections using your hands; each section must include roots and three or four shoots.
Replant the sections immediately in prepared garden soil.
Seed:Wait until the seed pods of an established plant turn black and hard before harvesting them.
Credit: Tim Murphy
After you cut the pods, rub them between your fingers to release the seeds.
When ready to plant, broadcast them on a prepared bed but barely cover them.
They require light to germinate.
The pale yellow flowers cluster on 20-inch-tall zigzag stems.
Its winged and branched stems carry small clusters of bright blue flowers, yellow at the throat.
Each lasts a single day, but there is a succession.
Grows to 18 inches tall and 6-12 inches wide.
Zones 5-8
‘Devon Skies’ Blue-Eyed Grass
Sisyrinchium’Devon Skies' bears a profusion of light blue flowers.
It has exceptional tolerance for heat and humidity.
This mighty miniature grows to 6 inches tall and spreads to 12 inches.
The bicolor Russell hybrids are the most popular pop in.
Their large pea-like flowers come in amazing colors and combinations, clustered in long spikes on sturdy stems.
It performs best in areas with cool summers, especially the Pacific Northwest.
It produces jewel-tone, saucer-shaped flowers and mounds of handsome, lobed foliage.
Many of the best are hybrids.
Perennial geraniums may form large colonies.
All have the classic, impossibly intricate flowers.
The falls may be “bearded” or not.
Some cultivars bloom a second time in late summer.
Some species prefer alkaline soil, while others prefer acidic soil.
Yarrow
Yarrow’syellow flowers and silver-gray foliageare a lovely contrast to blue-eyed grass.
Some varieties produce a second bloom period in late summer even without deadheading.
Blue-eyed grass flowers open during the day and close at night and sometimes on a cloudy day.
