Sisyrinchium angustifolium 'Suwannee' is a charming and compact native perennial featuring grass like blue green foliage and star shaped violet blue flowers with yellow centers. Refined selection prized for its delicate beauty and low maintenance.
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 average to sandy soils
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers even moisture, especially during bloom
Deer Resistance: Generally avoided by deer
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Sisyrinchium angustifolium, native to eastern North America. Retains the charm and ecological benefits of the wild type while offering slightly enhanced ornamental value.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts small butterflies such as Spring Azures and Pearl Crescents with its bright low growing blooms.
Bees
- Visited by sweat bees and small native solitary bees that forage for nectar and pollen in late spring.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 8 - 12 in apart to create dense clumps or naturalistic drifts in open areas.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for rock gardens, native plant borders, and cottage gardens. Also effective at the edge of woodland clearings or in open meadows where a fine textured, flowering accent is desired.
Companion Plants
- Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox) - Offers spring color and low spreading form that complements the upright tufts of Sisyrinchium.
- Coreopsis lanceolata (Lanceleaf Coreopsis) - Brings sunny yellow flowers and similar growing conditions for extended seasonal bloom.
- Penstemon digitalis (Beardtongue) - Adds height and early summer flowers while tolerating similar sun and soil requirements.
- Erigeron pulchellus (Robin’s Plantain) - Provides soft pink to lavender daisies and ground hugging rosettes to pair with blue eyed grass.
- Antennaria plantaginifolia (Pussytoes) - Offers silvery foliage and spring blooms, forming a drought tolerant mat around clumps of Sisyrinchium.