Olsynium douglasii (Grass Widow)
Olsynium douglasii (Grass Widow) is a clump-forming perennial noted for its dense tuft of narrow, sword-like, light-green leaves and its brilliant, intense reddish-purple flowers in early spring. Bowl-shaped, the satiny, nodding flowers are borne atop upright stems among the rush-like foliage. Grass Widow is a terrific plant for rock gardens or alpine houses.
Olsynium douglasii (Grass Widow) is a clump-forming perennial noted for its dense tuft of narrow, sword-like, light-green leaves and its brilliant, intense reddish-purple flowers in early spring. Bowl-shaped, the satiny, nodding flowers are borne atop upright stems among the rush-like foliage. Grass Widow is a terrific plant for rock gardens or alpine houses.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 10 in. tall (25 cm) and 6 in. wide (15 cm).
- Performs best in partial shade in moist, humus-rich, moderately fertile, well-drained soils.
- Generally pest and disease free.
- Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn.
- Occurs mostly west of the Cascade Range, from British Columbia south to northern California.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 3 – 9 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Sisyrinchium |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early) |
| Height | 8" – 10" (20cm – 25cm) |
| Spread | 4" – 6" (10cm – 15cm) |
| Spacing | 6″ (15cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Utah, Southwest, Nevada |
| Garden Uses | Patio and Containers |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden |