Sisyrinchium 'E.K. Balls'
blue-eyed grass 'E.K. Balls'
A clump-forming, semi-evergreen perennial with fans of narrowly sword-shaped leaves to 25cm long. Throughout summer, erect stems bear a succession of star-shaped, purple flowers to 2cm across
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi 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 poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun; plants are drought tolerant once established. Protect from excessive winter wet. Suitable for an alpine trough or gravel garden. 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
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to root rot
Get involved
The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.