Overview
Sisyrinchium 'E.K. Balls' is a tufted alpine rockery in the genus Sisyrinchium, part of the Iridaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Sisyrinchium 'E.K. Balls' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants and flower borders and beds.
About
Sisyrinchium 'E.K. Balls' is a tufted cultivar of the Sisyrinchium genus, commonly known as blue-eyed grasses and belonging to the Iridaceae family. This semi-evergreen, grass-like plant grows to between 0.1 and 0.5 metres in height and spread, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. It thrives in full sun on well-drained chalk, loam, or sandy soils with neutral to alkaline pH, and is suitable for both exposed and sheltered south- or west-facing sites. Notably drought resistant, it provides interest through spring, summer, and winter, making it a hardy choice for alpine or rockery gardens.
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
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Sisyrinchium 'E.K. Balls' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 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
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sisyrinchium 'E.K. Balls'
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soils; drought tolerant once established; suitable for rockeries and alpine gardens; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back dead foliage in late winter or early spring to maintain tidy appearance.
- Propagation
- Seed, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Root rot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Sisyrinchium 'E.K. Balls'?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soils; drought tolerant once established; suitable for rockeries and alpine gardens; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Sisyrinchium 'E.K. Balls'?
Sisyrinchium 'E.K. Balls' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Sisyrinchium 'E.K. Balls' need?
Sisyrinchium 'E.K. Balls' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Sisyrinchium 'E.K. Balls'?
Remove spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back dead foliage in late winter or early spring to maintain tidy appearance.
How big does Sisyrinchium 'E.K. Balls' grow?
Sisyrinchium 'E.K. Balls' reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Sisyrinchium 'E.K. Balls' hardy in the UK?
Sisyrinchium 'E.K. Balls' 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 'E.K. Balls'?
Seed, Division in spring.