Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium)

Blue-eyed Grass

Sisyrinchium angustifolium

Delicate star-shaped blooms glow like tiny blue stars. Clumping herbaceous perennial; common name: Blue-eyed Grass.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates mild afternoon shade in hot, arid regions to prevent foliage scorch
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Watering Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering during winter dormancy to avoid root rot
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Temperature Hardy to USDA zones 3–9; tolerates heavy frost and mild summer heat up to 30°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow, grass-like linear leaves, bright green, forming dense, tufted clumps
  • Flower: Star-shaped, pale to deep blue blooms with bright yellow centers, borne on slender upright stems
  • Stem: Smooth, slender upright stems that hold terminal flower clusters above foliage
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist; water when the top 1 cm of soil feels dry

Fertilization

Apply diluted balanced liquid feed once monthly. Use a low-nitrogen feed to prioritize bloom production over foliage growth

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 4–6 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestations
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms promptly to encourage extended flowering through early summer
  • Trim back faded foliage to 5 cm above soil level after bloom to tidy clumps
  • Divide overcrowded clumps in early spring to maintain plant vigor and prevent overcrowding
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic; no reported toxic effects in cats

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental garden border plant; supports native pollinators including bees and butterflies