Infuse your garden with cottage vibes using the charm of sisyrinchium. With slender, iris-like leaves and delicate blue or white blooms, these perennials add elegance to any landscape. Enjoy their extended spring-to-summer bloom and versatility, making them a timeless choice for your garden.
Planting Calendar
Sisyrinchium are available in stores in spring and summer.
Prepare
Position
Sisyrinchium prefers full sun to light shade. Ensure the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil
When planted into the ground Sisyrinchium like a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and water storage crystals, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and Tui Novatec Premium Fertiliser, then mix together well. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and will help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant in Kings Containers mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
Care
Watering
Sisyrinchium need adequate watering all through the growing season. Water slowly, allowing water to sink to the bottom of the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soil’s surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel water deep down into the root zone. If planted in pots never allow the pot to sit in water. Water well in summer to keep the soil moist, preferably in the morning before the sun gets too hot.
Feeding
Feed the plants with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster fortnightly throughout the growing season. You can also add Tui Premium Novatec slow release fertiliser once in spring and once in summer to keep the feeding going all season.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (make sure that the mulch does not come into contact with the stem of the plant) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to retain moisture.
Pruning
A light trim a couple of times in the season can keep the plant looking tidy. Removing the dead stems will promote more flowering.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers, always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Expert Tip
Sisyrinchium can be divided every few years to maintain vigor. Dig up the plant, separate the clumps, and replant the divisions in well-prepared soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sisyrinchium?
Sisyrinchium, commonly known as Blue-eyed Grass, is a perennial plant with grass-like foliage and charming star-shaped flowers. It's perfect for adding a touch of colour to gardens and borders.
How do I plant Sisyrinchium?
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and Tui Novatec Premium Fertiliser, then mix together well. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and will help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant in Kings Containers mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
When does Sisyrinchium bloom?
Sisyrinchium typically blooms from late spring to early summer, producing small, vibrant blue or purple flowers with yellow centres.
How much water does Sisyrinchium need?
Sisyrinchium need adequate watering all through the growing season. Water slowly, allowing water to sink to the bottom of the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soil’s surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel water deep down into the root zone. If planted in pots never allow the pot to sit in water. Water well in summer to keep the soil moist, preferably in the morning before the sun gets too hot.
What pests and diseases affect Sisyrinchium?
Sisyrinchium is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, keep an eye out for slugs and snails, which may feed on the foliage.