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Sisyrinchium

Sisyrinchium 'Lucerne' (25) BR Plants

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Sisyrinchium

Sisyrinchium 'Lucerne' (25) BR Plants

Sisyrinchium angustifolium 'Lucerne' (25) Bare Root Plants Common name: Blue-Eyed Grass, formerly Sisyrinchium bermudianum. Spiky, dark green, fan-like clumps of narrow, stiff grass-like...

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What are the characteristics of Sisyrinchium?

Sisyrinchium, commonly known as blue-eyed grass, is a genus of flowering plants in the iris family. Here are its characteristics:

Leaves:
They have clumps of stiff, upright, sword-shaped leaves held in a fan shape, similar to most irises. However, the individual leaves are usually narrower than that of a typical iris plant, giving them a grass-like appearance. They grow from thin rhizomes that gradually spread outward from the clump. Some species are evergreen, while others die back to the ground in winter.
Flowers: Small flowers appear on spikes at or just above the foliage in spring or summer. Individual flowers emerge from a green spathe slightly wider than the supporting branch. The flowers are typically deep violet-blue, ½ inch wide with yellow eyes, borne on distinctively flattened or winged, branched stems, held just above the clump of 8-20″ tall foliage.

Habit: Sisyrinchium plants are clump-forming perennials that spread slowly by rhizomes.

How do I plant Sisyrinchium?

Plant Sisyrinchium in two main ways:

Planting nursery-grown transplants: This is the easier and faster method.
- You can plant these in early spring in moist, well-draining soil.
- Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball of the transplant.
- Space the plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
- Water them regularly through the first growing season to help them establish a strong root system.
- You can also add a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Planting seeds: This method takes longer but allows you to grow more plants for less money.
- Seeds can be sown in the fall for spring planting, or in late winter for indoor starting. They require a cold stratification period to germinate, mimicking winter conditions.
  - For fall sowing, sow the seeds directly in your garden in a well-prepared bed with good drainage. Lightly cover the seeds with soil as they need some light for germination.
  - For indoor starting, sow the seeds in flats with moist, well-draining soil. Seal the flats in plastic bags and place them in the refrigerator for two to three weeks. Then move the flats outdoors to a shady location after all danger of frost has passed.
- Germination can be slow and erratic, taking anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Be patient and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Once the seedlings have emerged and grown a few sets of leaves, you can transplant them to their permanent location in your garden.

Here are some additional tips for planting Sisyrinchium:

Choose a location that receives full sun or light shade.
The plants prefer poor to moderately fertile soil with good drainage. They don't do well in heavy clay soil.
If your soil is heavy, you can amend it with sand or compost to improve drainage.
Water regularly during the first growing season, especially during dry periods. Once established, Sisyrinchium are fairly drought tolerant.
Protect the plants from excessive winter moisture, which can lead to root rot. You can do this by planting them in a raised bed or by applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plants in the fall.

What are varieties of Sisyrinchium?

There are around 140 species of Sisyrinchium, but here are some of the popular varieties:

Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium): This is the most common variety, with bright blue flowers and yellow centers. It blooms in late spring or early summer and grows up to 12 inches tall.
Yellow-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium campestre): As the name suggests, this variety has yellow flowers with brown centers. It blooms in late spring or early summer and grows up to 18 inches tall.
Bigelow's Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bellum): This variety has large, sky-blue flowers with yellow centers. It blooms in late spring or early summer and grows up to 18 inches tall.
Striated Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium striatum): This variety has narrow leaves with distinctive vertical stripes and violet-blue flowers with yellow centers. It blooms in late spring or early summer and grows up to 12 inches tall.
Mexican Iris (Sisyrinchium montanum): This variety has larger, lavender-blue flowers with yellow centers and wider leaves than most other varieties. It blooms in late spring or early summer and grows up to 24 inches tall.

These are just a few of the many varieties of Sisyrinchium available. With so many different colors and sizes to choose from, you're sure to find a variety that's perfect for your garden.

How Do I Care For a Sisyrinchium?

Here's how to care for your Sisyrinchium, also known as blue-eyed grass:

Light and Location:

Sisyrinchium prefers full sun to light shade. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. They can tolerate some afternoon shade in hot climates.

Watering:

Water regularly, especially during the first growing season and during hot, dry periods. Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy. They prefer consistent moisture but can tolerate short periods of drought once established.
Water deeply at the base of the plant rather than shallow watering.

Soil:

Sisyrinchium thrives in well-drained soil. They don't do well in heavy clay soil that retains too much moisture.
If your soil is heavy, amend it with sand or compost to improve drainage before planting.

Fertilizing:

Sisyrinchium are low feeders and don't require frequent fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring is sufficient.
You can also fertilize with compost around the base of the plant in the spring.

Trimming and Deadheading:

To encourage repeat flowering, deadhead spent flowers by pinching them off at the base.
You can also shear the entire plant back by one-third after flowering to improve its appearance and prevent unwanted self-seeding.

Winter Care:

Sisyrinchium are generally winter hardy in most zones.
In colder climates, you can protect the plants from excessive winter wet by applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plants in the fall. This will help to insulate the roots and prevent them from heaving out of the ground during freeze-thaw cycles.

Pests and Diseases:

Sisyrinchium are generally pest and disease resistant. However, they can be susceptible to problems like iris borer and leaf spot if not properly cared for.
Practicing good gardening techniques like proper watering, providing good air circulation, and removing debris around the plants can help to prevent these issues.

By following these simple care tips, you can enjoy the beauty of Sisyrinchium in your garden for many years to come.

Does Sisyrinchium attract pollinators?

Sisyrinchium, commonly known as blue-eyed grass, does attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and flies. Here's why:

Colorful flowers: Sisyrinchium flowers come in various shades of blue, violet, and yellow, which are attractive colors to many pollinators.
Nectar: The flowers produce nectar, a sweet sugary liquid that is a valuable food source for pollinators.
Pollen: Sisyrinchium produces pollen, which is another food source for pollinators, particularly bees.

Specifically, various bee species like bumblebees, sweat bees, and halictid bees (including green metallic bees) are attracted to Sisyrinchium flowers. In addition to bees, butterflies, especially spring butterflies like the azure butterfly, and flies like hoverflies (syrphid flies) also visit Sisyrinchium for nectar and pollen.

So, Sisyrinchium can be a valuable addition to your garden if you're looking to attract pollinators.

Are There Any Common Pests Or Diseases That Affect Sisyrinchium?

Sisyrinchium, also known as blue-eyed grass, is generally considered pest and disease resistant. They don't tend to have serious problems with insects or diseases if given proper care.

However, there are a couple of exceptions to keep an eye out for:

Iris borer: This is a common pest that can affect irises and other related plants, including Sisyrinchium. The larvae of the iris borer tunnel through the leaves and rhizomes of the plant, causing damage and weakening the plant.
- Signs of iris borer infestation include wilting leaves, stunted growth, and holes in the leaves.
- To prevent iris borer, you can remove and destroy any plant debris around your Sisyrinchium in the fall, as this is where the borer overwinters. You can also use insecticidal nematodes to control the borer population.
Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that can cause brown or yellow spots to appear on the leaves of Sisyrinchium. Leaf spot can be unsightly but is usually not serious.
- To prevent leaf spot, water your Sisyrinchium at the base of the plant rather than overhead watering and improve air circulation around the plants by providing adequate spacing. You can also remove and destroy any infected leaves to prevent the disease from spreading.

Here are some additional tips to help keep your Sisyrinchium healthy and prevent pest and disease problems:

Provide good drainage: Sisyrinchium don't like sitting in soggy soil. Ensure your planting area has well-drained soil to avoid fungal diseases.
Water properly: Water regularly during the first growing season and during hot, dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as this can also encourage disease.
Remove debris: Regularly remove fallen leaves and plant debris around your Sisyrinchium plants. This will help to reduce the chance of pests and diseases overwintering in your garden.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your Sisyrinchium healthy and prevent them from becoming susceptible to pests and diseases.

Can I Use Sisyrinchium in Floral Arrangements?

Yes, but with some limitations, you can use Sisyrinchium, also known as blue-eyed grass, in floral arrangements. Here's why:

Pros:
- Unique and delicate: Sisyrinchium flowers have a delicate and charming appearance that can add a touch of whimsy to floral arrangements. They come in various shades of blue, violet, and yellow, which can add pops of color and complement other flowers nicely.
- Long-lasting: Sisyrinchium flowers are known to be relatively long-lasting in cut flower arrangements, especially if harvested properly.
Cons:
- Small and delicate: The flowers of Sisyrinchium are small and delicate, so they may not be suitable for all types of arrangements, particularly large or bold arrangements.
- Short vase life: While they are longer lasting than some wildflowers, Sisyrinchium typically won't last as long in a vase as some more common cut flowers.

Here are some tips for using Sisyrinchium in floral arrangements:

Harvest at the right time: Harvest the flowers when they are just beginning to open for the longest vase life.
Condition the stems: Cut the stems diagonally and place them in warm water for a few hours before arranging.
Use a smaller vase: Sisyrinchium works well in smaller bud vases or posies where their delicate size and scale can be appreciated.
Combine with other flowers: Sisyrinchium can be paired well with other wildflowers or cottage garden flowers that have a similar delicate look.

Overall, Sisyrinchium can be a lovely addition to a floral arrangement, especially if you are looking for something unique and charming. However, it's important to be aware of their limitations and use them accordingly.

Is Sisyrinchium Invasive?

The invasiveness of Sisyrinchium depends on the specific species and your local environment. Here's a breakdown:

Generally: Many Sisyrinchium species are not considered invasive. They tend to be well-behaved clump-forming perennials that spread slowly by rhizomes.
Potential for Invasiveness: However, certain Sisyrinchium species, particularly Sisyrinchium striatum (Striated Blue-eyed Grass), can be moderately invasive in some regions. These species can spread more aggressively through self-seeding and rhizomes, potentially crowding out other desirable plants.

Here's what to consider:

Species: Identify the specific Sisyrinchium species you have or are considering planting. Reliable sources like native plant nurseries or local gardening organizations can help you with this.
Local Environment: Consider your local climate and existing flora. Sisyrinchium may be more prone to becoming invasive in areas that closely resemble their native habitat where they don't have natural competitors.

Tips to Mitigate Invasiveness:

Deadhead regularly: This will prevent unwanted self-seeding and help control the spread of the plant.
Control existing plants: If you have a Sisyrinchium species that's becoming invasive, you can carefully dig up and remove unwanted clumps. Be sure to remove all the rhizomes to prevent regrowth.
Consider alternatives: If you're concerned about invasiveness, there are many other beautiful native wildflowers that you can plant in your garden that are less likely to spread aggressively.

Overall, Sisyrinchium can be a lovely addition to your garden, but it's wise to be aware of the potential for invasiveness in certain species and take steps to manage it if necessary.

When Is The Best Time To propagate Sisyrinchium?

There are two main methods for propagating Sisyrinchium, and each has a different ideal time:

1. Division: This is the easiest and fastest way to propagate Sisyrinchium.

Best Time: The best time to divide Sisyrinchium for propagation is in early spring. This is when the new growth is just beginning to emerge, and the plants are actively growing. Dividing at this time allows the new divisions to establish themselves before the hot summer weather arrives.

2. Seed Sowing: This method takes longer but allows you to grow more plants for less money.

Fall Sowing: You can sow the seeds directly in your garden in a well-prepared bed with good drainage in the fall. The seeds will experience a cold stratification period over winter which helps with germination.
Indoor Sowing: Alternatively, you can sow the seeds indoors in flats with moist, well-draining soil in late winter. After a cold stratification period of two to three weeks in the refrigerator, you can then move the flats outdoors to a shady location after all danger of frost has passed.

Here's a quick summary table:

Propagation Method	Best Time
Division	Early Spring
Seed Sowing (Fall)	Fall
Seed Sowing (Indoor)	Late Winter

What are the benefits of planting Sisyrinchium?

Here are the benefits of planting Sisyrinchium in your garden:

Beautiful Flowers: Sisyrinchium boasts star-shaped flowers in various shades of blue, violet, and yellow, adding a touch of charm and whimsy to your garden. They bloom in late spring or early summer, providing a delightful pop of color.
Low Maintenance: These are generally low-maintenance plants. Once established, they are drought tolerant and require minimal watering and feeding.
Attracts Pollinators: Sisyrinchium attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and flies with their colorful blooms and nectar production. This can be beneficial for your overall garden ecosystem.
Deer Resistant: Unlike many other flowering plants, deer tend to leave Sisyrinchium alone. This can be a major perk if deer are a common problem in your area.
Easy to Propagate: Sisyrinchium can be easily propagated by division in early spring or by sowing seeds in fall or late winter. This allows you to expand your plantings or share them with others.
Adaptable: There are varieties of Sisyrinchium suitable for full sun to light shade and prefer well-drained soil. This makes them versatile for different areas of your garden.
Can be Evergeen (in some species): Certain Sisyrinchium species retain their green foliage throughout winter, adding a touch of winter interest to your garden.

Overall, Sisyrinchium offers a combination of attractive flowers, low maintenance needs, and benefits to your garden ecosystem, making them a worthwhile addition for many gardeners. Just be sure to choose a variety suited to your climate and be aware of potential invasiveness in some species.

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