Species sisyrinchium
purple flowers with yellow center, stigma and yellow style with light-green stem

sisyrinchium

Sisyrinchium 'E. K. Balls'

Sisyrinchium 'E. K. Balls' is an ideal ornamental grass for any landscape. This fan-like, clump-forming perennial has no shortage of charm, with its bright, grass green foliage complimented by bright, star-shaped, light blue flowers.Each flower has three large petals and grows to just 3–4 inches in height. Its foliage remains semi-evergreen even in cooler months, providing a fullness and soft texture to every garden. Perfect for borders, meadows, or rock gardens, this unique variety also functions nicely as a ground cover and will attract beneficial pollinators to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Mauve Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Sisyrinchium 'E.K. Balls' should be watered deeply and infrequently to support healthy plant growth. Water the plant until the soil is fully saturated, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. During the summer, watering should take place about once a week; during the winter, watering should be done every 2 weeks. If the soil remains dry for longer periods of time during the colder months, then water more frequently. When watering Sisyrinchium 'E.K. Balls', always check the soil for moisture. If the topsoil feels dry, then it is time to water the plant. Be sure not to overwater the plant, as this can cause root rot or other issues. Studies have shown that plants in containers typically need to be watered more frequently than those planted in the ground, as container plants have more limited access to water-holding capacity. Therefore, it is best to pay close attention to the soil moisture levels of Sisyrinchium 'E.K. Balls' and make sure to water it often enough to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.

sunlight

Sisyrinchium 'E. K. Balls' is a warm season plant native to the prairies of the Southwestern United States. This plant thrives in full sun exposure, meaning it should receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day throughout the growing season. The best time of day to ensure adequate sunlight is from mid-morning to late afternoon when the sun is highest in the sky. During this time of day, the sun is directly overhead, providing the maximum amount of sunlight. Depending on which part of the country this plant is being grown, this period roughly corresponds to between 9:00am and 4:00pm. During the summer months, the sun will also stay out longer which may extend the optimal period of sunlight exposure.

pruning

Sisyrinchium 'E. K. Balls' should be pruned in early spring before new growth begins. To prune, cut back the stems to healthy buds about 2 inches above the soil level. Dead or damaged stems should also be trimmed back to the soil surface. Lightly prune the foliage by snipping off dead or brown leaves with scissors. Do not prune more than 1-third of the plant's foliage to maintain an attractive flowering habit. Keep in mind that if this species is severely cut back, it will not produce as many flowers.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Sisyrinchium 'E. K. Balls' typically start flowering in April.

Hardiness Map