Sisyrinchium angustifolium 'Lucerne' is a compact clump forming perennial with slender grass like foliage and striking star shaped blue violet flowers with yellow centers. This cultivar offers a tidy refined form and blooms prolifically in late spring.
Height & Spread: 6 - 12 in x 6 - 12 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soils; tolerates sandy or clay loam
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates short dry periods
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
The species Sisyrinchium angustifolium is native to eastern North America. Cultivated selection known for its showier flowers and compact habit, suitable for native themed and formal gardens.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts small butterflies such as Eastern Tailed Blue and Spring Azure seeking nectar in late spring.
Bees
- Visited by small native bees and sweat bees, especially in sunny, low competition garden settings.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 6 - 12 in apart to form compact clumps or naturalized masses in open beds.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for sunny edges, rock gardens, cottage borders, and meadow style plantings. Its grass like form makes it well suited for interplanting with other fine textured natives.
Companion Plants
- Allium cernuum (Nodding Onion) - Adds graceful blooms and similar fine textured foliage, flowering slightly later for seasonal layering.
- Erigeron pulchellus (Robins Plantain) - Offers early daisy like blooms and ground hugging rosettes to complement Lucerne’s upright form.
- Salvia lyrata (Lyreleaf Sage) - Adds bold foliage color and spring spikes of lavender blue flowers that echo Sisyrinchium’s hues.
- Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox) - Creates a floral carpet around the base of Lucerne’s clumps, extending bloom time in rock or slope gardens.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Provides feathery foliage and bright yellow blooms to contrast with Lucerne’s violet tones.