Sisyrinchium striatum 'Aunt May' (v)

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pale yellow-eyed grass 'Aunt May'

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pale yellow-eyed grass 'Aunt May' RHS 2002
pale yellow-eyed grass 'Aunt May' visionspictures.com
pale yellow-eyed grass 'Aunt May' visionspictures.com

Synonyms

Sisyrinchium striatum 'Variegatum'
Sisyrinchium 'Aunt May'

Herbaceous Perennial
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An evergreen perennial forming a clump of erect, sword-shaped grey-green leaves margined with cream, with erect leafy stems bearing several clusters of pale yellow flowers in summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Iridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
Genus
Sisyrinchium can be annuals or rhizomatous perennials forming a clump of narrowly sword-shaped leaves with erect stems carrying solitary or clustered, star-shaped or bell-shaped flowers in spring or summer
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet. Lift and divide every year or so to ensure flowering. May have the potential to become a nuisance as seeds prolifically

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Remove discoloured foliage and faded flowers

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to root rot