Overview
Hordeum marinum is a bushy, columnar upright grass like in the genus Hordeum, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hordeum marinum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include architectural, prairie planting, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.
About
Hordeum marinum, commonly known as sea barley or heiddwellt y morfa, is a deciduous grass-like plant within the barley genus Hordeum. It features a bushy, columnar upright habit and thrives in full sun, favouring well-drained soils such as chalk, clay, loam, or sand with a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is suitable for both exposed and sheltered locations, particularly south- or west-facing aspects. This cultivar is valued for its architectural presence and is well suited to prairie plantings, cottage gardens, and flower borders, offering seasonal interest from spring through to autumn.
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 marinum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Prairie planting, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hordeum marinum
- Propagation
- Seed in situ in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hordeum marinum?
Hordeum marinum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Hordeum marinum need?
Hordeum marinum 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.
Is Hordeum marinum hardy in the UK?
Hordeum marinum has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Hordeum marinum?
Seed in situ in spring or autumn.
