Care of the rhizomatous plant Sisyrinchium striatum or Pale yellow-eyed grass |
The genus Sisyrinchium, family Iridaceae, comprises more than 200 species of flowering plants native to the American continent. Some species are: Sisyrinchium striatum, Sisyrinchium montanum, Sisyrinchium angustifolium, Sisyrinchium californicum. Common names: Pale yellow-eyed grass, Satin flower, Argentine blue-eyed grass. Scientific synonyms: Moraea sertula, Sisyrinchium lutescens Bermudiana striata. This species is native to Argentina and Chile. They are semi-perennial rhizomatous herbaceous plants that reach 80 cm (31.5") in height and width. The linear leaves are arranged in a fan and are grayish green. The flowers are creamy white and appear on flower stalks above the leaves. They bloom in late spring and early summer. Pale yellow-eyed grass is used in groups to form borders and flowerbeds, in gravel gardens and in rockeries. It's ideal for large cities due to its resistance to pollution. Sisyrinchium striatum grows in full sun and semi-shade exposures. It is frost resistant if the substrate is dry. Satin flower prefers a soil based on normal well-drained garden soil with coarse sand and containing some organic matter although it will also grow in poor soils. Always water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry completely. Settled plants resist drought well. Argentine blue-eyed grass does not need fertilizer. Prune after flowering to remove dry leaves and faded flowers. Sisyrinchium striatum is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess moisture in the roots. Pale yellow-eyed grass is easily propagated by division in the spring and from spring sown seed. |
Images of the rhizomatous plant Sisyrinchium striatum or Pale yellow-eyed grass |