Overview

Sisyrinchium striatum 'Aunt May' ('Variegatum') is a perennial in the genus Sisyrinchium, part of the Iridaceae family. Sisyrinchium striatum 'Aunt May' ('Variegatum') grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and rock gardens. It is native to South America.

About

Sisyrinchium striatum 'Aunt May' ('Variegatum') is an evergreen perennial in the iris family that combines variegated, sword-shaped leaves with clusters of creamy white, cup-shaped flowers. Blooming runs from May to July. It prefers full sun to partial shade on well-drained but moist soil and carries an H5 rating, so it is considered hardy in UK gardens. Use it in borders or rock gardens where the variegated foliage remains decorative outside the flowering months.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sisyrinchium striatum

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

In the garden

Aunt May is a variegated cultivar of Sisyrinchium striatum in the Iridaceae; the species originates in South America. The plant forms clumps of narrow, sword-like leaves with variegation, producing tight clusters of cream to white flowers in the late spring and early summer, with flowering from May to July. Give Sisyrinchium striatum 'Aunt May' ('Variegatum') a sunny or part-shaded spot and soil that drains freely yet retains moisture through the growing season. It is rated H5, meaning it is hardy for UK conditions; sheltered positions against a wall or in a mixed border will suit cooler sites. Avoid waterlogged ground and heavy shade, which reduce flowering and may weaken the clump. In the garden, place it at the front or middle of a border or in a gravelly rock-garden pocket where the variegated leaves contrast with darker foliage. The plant's clustered blooms provide a compact display in May–July while the variegation keeps interest beyond the flowering period, so plant where both leaf and bloom will be visible rather than hidden by taller neighbours.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Sisyrinchium

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

well-drained

Soil moisture

moist

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Sisyrinchium striatum 'Aunt May' ('Variegatum') size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Suggested uses

borders, rock gardens

Native to

South America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Sisyrinchium striatum 'Aunt May' ('Variegatum')

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Pruning

Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.

Propagation

Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but less common.

Frequently asked questions