Overview
Hordeum jubatum is a bushy grass like in the genus Hordeum, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Hordeum jubatum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Suggested uses include architectural, prairie planting and cottage and informal garden. It is native to N America and N E Asia.
About
Hordeum jubatum is a clump-forming grass that can grow up to 60 cm in height, classified as either an annual or perennial. It produces nodding clusters of elongated, silky green spikelets, which frequently display a subtle reddish tint at the tips, blooming from early to mid-summer.
About the genus
Hordeum, commonly referred to as barley, consists of annual or perennial grasses that bloom in the summer. This genus is native to temperate areas in the northern hemisphere as well as South America.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hordeum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Hordeum jubatum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Prairie planting, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- N America, N E Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hordeum jubatum
- Cultivation
- Grow in well-drained soil in full sun
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in situ in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Hordeum jubatum?
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun.
Where is the best place to plant Hordeum jubatum?
Hordeum jubatum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Hordeum jubatum need?
Hordeum jubatum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Hordeum jubatum?
No pruning required.
How big does Hordeum jubatum grow?
Hordeum jubatum reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Hordeum jubatum hardy in the UK?
Hordeum jubatum has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Hordeum jubatum?
Propagate by seed in situ in spring or autumn.