What is Blue-eyed Grass?

Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bellum) is not a grass, but a charming perennial wildflower—actually an iris relative. In spring it produces abundant star-shaped violet-blue flowers with a bright yellow center. It thrives in sun to partial shade and prefers moist winter/spring soil that dries in summer, when it goes semi-dormant. It can spread by both rhizomes and seed, forming larger patches over time without becoming to aggressive. Perfect for meadow plantings, rain garden edges, or mixed native borders; generally deer-resistant and attractive to native bees.

Specifications

Sun Requirement

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil Preference

Clay-loam or well-drained soils with winter/spring moisture; dry in summer

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral

Time to Maturity

Perennial; blooms by second spring from seed

Height when mature

4–12 inches

Seeding Rate

3-5 lbs per acre (direct seeding in meadow mixes)

Planting Depth

Surface to 1/8 inch (needs light to germinate)

Categories: Wildflower, Wildflower Seed, Wildflower Seed, Wildflower, Wildflower Seeds, Seed Selector, California Collection

Wildflower Seed

Wildflower, Wildflower Seed, Wildflower Seed, Wildflower, Wildflower Seeds, Seed Selector, California Collection

Blue-eyed Grass

Sisyrinchium bellum | SKU: W-SIBE

(4.7) - 145 reviews

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Price range: $9.99 through $33.49

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0.25 Lb - 500 Sq Ft

$9.99

0.5 Lbs - 1,000 Sq Ft

1 Lb - 2,000 Sq Ft

Coverage Area

Clear

Planting Aids for your Seed

Shoulder Strap Broadcast Seed Spreader-0

Shoulder Bag Seeder/Spreader

Why Choose This Seed?

Delicate Spring Beauty

This plant is loved for both its slender green leaves and dainty blue-purple flowers, which add soft color each spring. Like many irises, without irrigation, Blue-eyed Grass will go dormant in the late summer and fall, almost disappearing until the bright green shoots pop back up with the winter rains.

Native Meadow Friendly

Blue-eyed grass is a wonderful addition to a native meadow. It spreads over time to form attractive patches of color, without taking over and crowding out other species. The foliage of this wildflower is often mistaken for grass, due to its long slender blades. Plant with native bunchgrasses such as Purple Needlegrass and other native wildflowers such as Arroyo Lupine for a beautiful native meadow.

Low Maintenance

Blue-eyed grass is one of the easiest species to care for. It is low-growing and goes dormant during the dry months, requiring no mowing. It reseeds easily and also spreads by rhizomes. A little extra irrigation in the spring will help this species thrive, but it is not required—Blue eyed grass can survive as a summer dormant and through prolonged drought, and will sprout back up when rainy conditions return. This species is also deer-resistant.

Wildlife Value

This species is attractive to native bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators. Its grass-like foliage provides refuge for small mammals and reptiles. It has very limited value for forage, but is compatible with grazing systems and is deer-resistant.

Versatile in the Garden

This is a perfect plant to add to your garden. Small, low-statured, and dainty, Blue-eyed grass works well in meadows, rain gardens, rock gardens, and light shade. Plant Blue-eyed grass as a garden border or in tuck it in to tight spaces for a brilliant pop of color in the spring.

Seed Description

Product Details

Sun/Shade

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Height

4–12 inches

Seeding Rate

5-10 lbs / Acre

Uses

Meadow plantings, lawn alternatives, pond edges, rock gardens, open woodlands

Color

Violet-blue flowers with golden center; grass-like foliage

Water

Low to Moderate—enjoys spring moisture; dry summer dormancy

Native/Introduced

Western North America

Life Form

Perennial herb

Planting Guide

When to Start

Start prepping your planting area in fall, so that you are ready to seed between late September and early February, when temperatures cool and rain is on the horizon.

Weed Control & Soil Prep

Weed your growing area BEFORE planting any native seeds. We recommend not only pulling visible weeds but also “flushing out” the weed seeds that are waiting in the soil. Irrigate the area and wait for weed seeds to germinate, then remove them using your method of choice. Irrigate again, wait, and perform another round of weed control. Repeat 2-3 times.
Ensure your soil is as bare as possible for the maximum amount of seed-to-soil contact. If the entire area can’t be completely cleared, rake out as much dead plant material from the area as you can to create bare patches of soil for the seed to make contact with. For best results, the soil should be easily crumbled and not heavily compacted.

Seeding

It is best to seed onto slightly damp soil. If necessary, water the top 1/4 inch of soil before seeding. Scatter seed directly on the soil surface and rake gently or lightly press the seed into the soil. Do not bury the seed deeper than 1/4 inch into the soil.

Water

After planting, keep the top 1/4 inch of soil consistently moist until the seeds have germinated and the first true leaves have emerged. A good rule is to water lightly every day intul the seedlings are an inch high, then you can reduce watering to every 3 days. Skip days when it rains. Within 6 weeks after germinating, your plants should need only occasional watering. Don’t over-water your plants, especially in summer.

Questions & Answers

Where is it native, and how big does it get?

S. bellum is native to California, Oregon, and Baja California; clumps are typically 6–12″ tall (sometimes to ~18″ with moisture).

When should I plant the seed?

Direct-seed late fall–winter so cool temps and seasonal moisture drive germination; spring sowing works if you pre-chill (stratify) the seed.

How fast does it germinate and when will it bloom?

After cold stratification, seed can pop in 1–2 weeks at cool temps; un-stratified seed may take weeks to months. Expect spring bloom (often Mar–Jun, climate-dependent).

Will it come back and/or reseed?

Yes—it’s a perennial that often self-sows lightly. It commonly goes summer-dormant, then returns with cool-season moisture. Clumps can be divided in early spring or fall.

Is it good for pollinators?

Yes—flowers are used by native bees and other beneficials; multiple native plant resources flag high wildlife value.

Is it deer resistant, and does it work well with other flowers?

Often listed as deer-resistant, especially once established. Great for meadow mixes, borders, rock gardens, and containers; pairs nicely with bunchgrasses and spring wildflowers.