Overview
Bromus hordeaceus is a tufted, clump-forming grass in the genus Bromus, part of the Poaceae family, with linear, narrow leaves foliage. Bromus hordeaceus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include meadows, grasslands and erosion control.
About
Bromus hordeaceus, the soft brome, is an annual or biennial species of grass in the grass family (Poaceae). It is also known in North America as bull grass, soft cheat, and soft chess. It is the most common species of Bromus in Britain, where it can be found on roadsides, waste ground, meadows, and cultivated land. It is found throughout Europe and western Asia, and was introduced into North and South America and Australia. Bromus hordeaceus is thought to be native to the Meditteranean basin (Smith 1986) and is now distributed widely in North America (Pavlick & Anderton 2007, Saarela et al. 2008), Europe, Africa and Australia. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). It works well for meadows, grasslands and erosion control. It tolerates neutral soils, well-drained, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun. Cut back in late winter.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Bromus hordeaceus
About the genus
Bromus is a large genus of grasses, classified in its own tribe Bromeae. They are commonly known as bromes, brome grasses, cheat grasses, or chess grasses. Estimates in the scientific literature of the number of species have ranged from 100 to 400, but plant taxonomists currently recognize around 160–170 species.
Wikipedia contributors, "Bromus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Bromus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Bromus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Bromus hordeaceus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Habit
- Tufted, clump-forming
- Foliage
- Linear, narrow leaves
- Suggested uses
- Meadows, grasslands, erosion control
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Bromus hordeaceus
- Propagation
- Seed, division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-resistant
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Bromus hordeaceus?
Bromus hordeaceus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Bromus hordeaceus need?
Bromus hordeaceus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
Is Bromus hordeaceus hardy in the UK?
Bromus hordeaceus has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Bromus hordeaceus?
Seed, division.