Olsynium douglasii
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 lilypurple snowdrop
see morepurple-eyed grass
spring bell
spring satin flower
Synonyms
Sisyrinchium grandiflorumSisyrinchium douglasii
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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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