Blue-eyed Grass

We purchased cultivars of Idaho Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium idahense s. angustifolium) for our flower garden.

Idaho blue-eyed grass

Idaho blue-eyed grass

Idaho blue-eyed grass

Idaho blue-eyed grass

Idaho blue-eyed grass

Capsules (egg-shaped) form after flowering, over the summer.
In our area we have spotted them in middle elevations on the edges of grasslands or in grassy glades.
Sightings have been in the Quilchena Plateau, in the Lundbom Commonage, and in the Lac du Bois Grasslands, but it is generally rarely seen in B.C.
We always watch for blue-eyed grass in areas where we have spotted it in the past and we try to hike those areas each year. It is a delicate beauty, a special experience to see and photograph it in late spring.

In the garden, we have planted it in a perennial bed, close to a walkway. It would be a mistake to place it among or behind taller plants.

Plant in a sunny location.
Keep the soil moist.
Poor soil is fine. Be spare with fertilizer and mulch.
Flowers open in the morning and close up somewhat later in the day (esp. on hot days).
Deadhead for more blooms.
Cut back the stems after flowering to avoid reseeding.
They tend to form clumps (the rhizomes spread). Divide every few years to have more plants.
They can be grown from seed, but they need stratification.

This is a small delicate flower, best suited to a prime location as long as there is sun, but not drought. One of our favorites …

Gardeners Journal