Blue-eyed Grass Sisyrinchium 'Devon Skies'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Devon Skies' has a delicate and graceful appearance, characterized by its tufted, grass-like foliage that creates a dense, clumping form. The leaves are slender, akin to fine blades of grass, showcasing a vibrant green color that can bring a fresh, lively texture to any garden space. During the flowering season, it produces striking star-shaped flowers that sit atop erect and slender stems, gently rising above the foliage. These blossoms are usually a beautiful deep blue to violet shade, which can add a lovely pop of color to the plant's overall green presentation. The flower petals are evenly spaced, radiating around a central point, giving them a balanced and symmetrical look. In full bloom, the plant becomes a visual focal point, drawing the attention of onlookers and pollinators alike with its showy flowers that contrast nicely against the foliage. Overall, 'Devon Skies' is prized for its ornamental qualities, contributing both textural interest with its grassy leaves and color impact with its charming blue to violet flowers. Its clumping habit and lush appearance make it a suitable choice for borders, rock gardens, and as an accent in mixed garden beds.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Blue-Eyed Grass, Satin Flower, Star Flower
Common names
Sisyrinchium 'Devon Skies'
ToxicityTo humans
Blue-eyed grass 'Devon Skies' is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. However, with any plant, there is always a risk of an allergic reaction or irritation. It is always advisable to avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants as they are not meant for human consumption and could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort as a non-specific symptom.
To pets
Blue-eyed grass 'Devon Skies' is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. As with humans, it is usually best to prevent pets from eating plants not meant for consumption, as they could cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Americas
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Sisyrinchium 'Devon Skies', commonly known as Blue-eyed Grass, draws bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination.
- Low Maintenance: It is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can withstand periods without water, making it suitable for drier climates and water-wise gardens.
- Visual Appeal: With its striking blue flowers and grass-like foliage, it adds color and texture to garden spaces.
- Ground Cover: It can serve as an effective ground cover, filling in spaces and suppressing weeds.
- Versatile: It is well-suited for various garden styles, including rock gardens, borders, and wildflower meadows.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides a splash of color in late spring to early summer, often when other plants have yet to bloom.
- Compact Size: Its small stature makes it a great option for containers or smaller gardens where space is limited.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic inspiration: The striking blue flowers of Sisyrinchium 'Devon Skies', commonly known as Blue-eyed Grass, can serve as a muse for artists and photographers seeking natural beauty.
- Educational tool: This plant can be used to teach children about pollination, as it attracts a variety of pollinators.
- Garden photography subject: With its vibrant flowers, Blue-eyed Grass offers a unique subject for garden photographers looking to capture the essence of a floral landscape.
- Theme gardens: Blue-eyed Grass can be integrated into specific garden themes, such as a 'blue' garden or celestial-themed spaces, providing a unique color contrast.
- Culinary presentation: Although not for consumption, the flowers can be used as a natural garnish for plating and presentation in high-end culinary dishes.
- Fabric dyeing: Historically, parts of the Sisyrinchium plants have been used for natural dyes, which could be applied to the 'Devon Skies' variety for subtle color shades.
- Garden border definition: Landscape designers can use this compact plant for creating clear and attractive garden borders.
- Environmental education: Engage students in discussions about native plant species and the importance of preserving natural habitats, using Sisyrinchium 'Devon Skies' as an example.
- Nature crafts: The flowers and leaves can be used in pressed flower crafts or botanical prints for decorating or educational purposes.
- Botanical illustration: Blue-eyed Grass is ideal for botanical illustration due to its intricate flower structure and vibrant colors, helping illustrators practice their skills.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Blue-eyed Grass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Blue-eyed Grass is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: Sisyrinchium, commonly known as Blue-eyed Grass, often signifies hope because of its hardy nature and the way it brightens the landscape.
- Peace: The delicate blue flowers of Blue-eyed Grass can symbolize peace and tranquility, offering a calming presence in gardens.
- Admiration: Its petite and intricate blossoms might symbolize admiration for the smaller wonders of the natural world.
WaterBlue-eyed grass, also known as Sisyrinchium 'Devon Skies', prefers consistently moist soil, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. It should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this might mean watering once per week, but frequency should be adjusted based on climate, weather, and soil drainage. Each watering session should provide enough water to soak the soil around the root zone. For potted plants, this could be around 16-24 ounces, depending on the size of the pot, ensuring that any excess water can drain away.
LightBlue-eyed grass thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for this plant would be a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, in hotter climates, some afternoon shade can help to protect the plant from intense, midday heat.
TemperatureBlue-eyed grass can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best when the temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures of around 10°F, making it hardy in many climates. It should be protected from extreme cold, and if temperatures consistently rise above 90°F, the plant may require additional shade and water to remain healthy.
PruningPruning of blue-eyed grass is done mainly to remove spent flower stalks and maintain a tidy appearance. After flowering, cut back the flower stems to encourage a second bloom. General pruning can be done in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged foliage and promote fresh growth. Pruning is typically required once per year, or as needed to remove spent flowers during the blooming period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlue-eyed grass 'Devon Skies' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 5.5 to 7.0. A good soil mix is composed of loamy garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand to aid in drainage. It is essential to avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot.
RepottingBlue-eyed grass 'Devon Skies' does not typically require frequent repotting; it is often done every 2 to 3 years or when the clump becomes overcrowded. Spring is the ideal time for repotting to allow the plant to establish in its new container before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingBlue-eyed grass 'Devon Skies' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity levels commonly found in most outdoor garden environments. Indoor humidity should also be moderate, avoiding overly dry or excessively humid conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Blue-eyed grass 'Devon Skies' in bright indirect light and ensure good airflow for indoor growth.
Outdoor
Plant Blue-eyed grass 'Devon Skies' in a sunny spot with well-draining soil outdoors.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleSisyrinchium 'Devon Skies', or Blue-eyed Grass, begins its life cycle as a seed, often germinating when conditions are cool and moist. The seeds develop into small, grass-like seedlings with thin, linear leaves. As the plant matures, it forms clumps with multiple foliage blades and starts producing characteristic small, star-shaped blue flowers in late spring to early summer. Following pollination, typically by insects attracted to the flowers, the plant sets seed in the form of small capsules. The seeds are then dispersed, usually by wind or water, to begin the cycle anew. During winter or unfavorable conditions, the plant may go dormant, with the underground rhizome surviving until favorable growth conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Sisyrinchium 'Devon Skies', commonly known as Blue-eyed Grass, is often propagated in the late spring to early summer period. The most popular method of propagation is by division. This involves carefully lifting the plant out of the soil, using a spade or fork, and gently teasing apart the clumps into smaller segments, ensuring each segment has a portion of the root system. These divisions can then be immediately replanted into prepared soil at the same depth they were growing previously, watered well, and kept moist until they establish. This method is simple and effective, allowing gardeners to create new plants that will flower in the following season.
