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Alpine RockeryHerbaceous Perennial

Olsynium douglasii
  • RHS AGM

grass widow

A clump-forming perennial producing slender, upright stems sheathed with grass-like leaves. The flowers are 2cm long, nodding, bell-shaped and a rich purple with a satiny texture. They appear in early spring

Other common names
purple rush lily
purple snowdrop
see morepurple-eyed grass
spring bell
spring satin flower
Synonyms
Sisyrinchium grandiflorum
Sisyrinchium douglasii

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Green
Summer Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Iridaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Olsynium are fibrous-rooted, clump-forming perennials. They have mostly basal, stem-clasping, linear or lance-shaped leaves and nodding trumpet to bell-shaped flowers in spring

Name status

Correct

Plant range
W Canada W USA

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, humus-rich, moderately fertile soil in semi-shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally problem free

Diseases

Generally problem free

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