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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. 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.
Sisyrinchium bellum is native to much of California (including Baja California) below 6,000 feet north to Oregon. The name for the genus comes from Ancient Greek word 'Sisyrinchíon' that was used by Pliny the_Elder and Theophrastus for the Barbary nut iris (Iris or Moraea sisyrinchium). It refers to word 'sisýra' meaning a shaggy goat's-hair coat for the corm tunics resemblance though the reason for applying this name to a genus of the New World Iridaceae is apparently arbitrary. The specific epithet comes from a modification of the Latin word 'bellus', meaning "beautiful". We have grown this plant since 1985.
The information displayed on this page about Sisyrinchium bellum is based on the research we have conducted about it in our nursery library as well as from information provided by reliable online resources. We also include our own observations made about this plant as it grows in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant have performed in the containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we have received from others and welcome hearing from anyone with information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information that will aid others to better grow it.
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