Sisyrinchium angustifolium 'Lucerne' (Blue-eyed Grass)

Sisyrinchium angustifolium, also called blue-eyed grass, is a low-growing, grass-like perennial wildflower typically growing to less than a foot tall. Blue-eyed grass first produces soft, narrow, grass-like leaves in late winter or early spring, followed by striking blue-purple flowers with a golden-yellow center through the late spring and early summer. Though the straight species is beautiful on its own, the 'Lucerne' cultivar seeks to improve upon perfection, saturating the colors of the flowers, and improving flower density to truly staggering effects.

'Lucerne' blue-eyed grass grows best in full sun to partial shade and can thrive in a wide variety of locations where it requires only medium soil moisture and decent drainage, though blue-eyed grass is also tolerant to drought. While the parent species may be prone to spreading via self-seeding, the 'Lucerne' cultivar is also reportedly more cold-hardy and less prone to setting seed over time. Sisyrinchium angustifolium 'Lucerne' is small, but beautiful, and works wonderful in small beds and containers, or along low borders and pathways where it has room to put on a show.