grass widow
Olsynium douglasii
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones4 to 9
SunHandles partial sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Sizeup to 16 inches tall
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- White , pink , purple
- Foliage color
- Gray-green
- Soil types
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Grass widow (Olsynium douglasii) is a perennial for containers and low-maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes part sun or part shade and average to moist, loamy soil. Reddish-lavender or purple, bowl-shaped flowers open atop stems in spring and early summer. The flowers rise from clumps of narrow, sword-like gray-green leaves. It grows up to 16 inches tall.
Pairs well with Rainbow's End hosta, Gentian, and Gladiator ornamental onion.
Native range
South America.