Overview
Sisyrinchium californicum is a clump forming bogs in the genus Sisyrinchium, part of the Iridaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Sisyrinchium californicum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and clay soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants and flower borders and beds. It is native to British Columbia, California, Oregon and Washington.
About
Sisyrinchium californicum is a species of flowering plant in the iris family known by the common names golden blue-eyed grass, yellow-eyed-grass, and golden-eyed-grass. It is native to the west coast of North America from British Columbia to central California, where it grows in moist habitat, often in coastal areas.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sisyrinchium californicum
About the genus
Sisyrinchium is a large genus of annual to perennial flowering plants in the family Iridaceae. Native to the New World, the species are known as blue-eyed grasses. Although they are not true grasses (Poaceae), they are monocots.
Wikipedia contributors, "Sisyrinchium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sisyrinchium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Sisyrinchium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Sisyrinchium californicum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bogs, Grass Like
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- British Columbia, California, Oregon, Washington
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sisyrinchium californicum
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal conditions and poor drainage
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back foliage after flowering to maintain tidiness
- Propagation
- Seed, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to root rot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Sisyrinchium californicum?
Prefers moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal conditions and poor drainage.
Where is the best place to plant Sisyrinchium californicum?
Sisyrinchium californicum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Sisyrinchium californicum need?
Sisyrinchium californicum grows best in loam and clay soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained.
How do I prune Sisyrinchium californicum?
Remove spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back foliage after flowering to maintain tidiness.
How big does Sisyrinchium californicum grow?
Sisyrinchium californicum reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Sisyrinchium californicum hardy in the UK?
Sisyrinchium californicum has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Sisyrinchium californicum?
Seed, Division in spring.