Blue-eyed Grass
Sisyrinchium bellum
Care
full sun, part shade
low
moist in spring, dry in summer; tolerates clay
0–1ft tall , 0–1ft wide
Mar-May · blue-violet
Semi-Deciduous
Resistant
Friendly
Prized
Coastal and central California grasslands
Star-shaped blue-violet flowers with yellow centers
Actually in iris family, not a grass; cheerful spring bloomer
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Blue-eyed Grass in full sun in a spot with good drainage - it thrives in loamy soil but tolerates clay and sandy soils too. The best time to plant is in fall or early winter so it can establish before its spring bloom (March-May). Space plants about 1 foot apart, and plant on flat areas rather than slopes. This is a great choice for lawn edges, containers, or as a groundcover.
After Planting
Water occasionally during the first year to help establish roots, but once established, Blue-eyed Grass needs very little water - just 1-2 times per month in summer at most. Expect the plant to die back and go dormant after flowering in late spring, staying dormant through the dry summer months; this is completely normal and not a sign something's wrong. In drier Bay Area locations, occasional summer watering will help it survive the dormancy period. The biggest mistake people make is overwatering or expecting the plant to stay green year-round - let it rest in summer and it will reliably return each winter.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Federal and state endangered; southern California subspecies
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Spring visitor to early season blooms
Spring bloom period provides nectar for adults during emergence