Sisyrinchium 'E.K. Balls'

RHS Plant Profile
blue-eyed grass 'E.K. Balls'

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Synonyms

Sisyrinchium 'Ball's Mauve'

Alpine Rockery Grass Like
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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

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 or West–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)
H5
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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