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Sisyrinchium californicum

golden-eyed grass

A semi-evergreen perennial with sword-shaped, grey-green leaves to 15cm long. In summer, broadly winged stems to 60cm tall bear a succession of star-shaped, brown-veined, bright yellow flowers. A short-lived plant but it self-seeds freely. Suitable for a bog garden or pond margin

Other common names
yellow Californian satin flower
yellow-eyed grass
Synonyms
Sisyrinchium boreale
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Clay
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Yellow Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Iridaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
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

Correct

Plant range
W USA

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in boggy conditions, or in an aquatic planting basket on a pond shelf, using loam or specialist aquatic potting soil. May have the potential to become a nuisance as seeds prolifically

Propagation

Propagate by division or seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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