Overview

Phleum phleoides is a grass in the genus Phleum, part of the Poaceae family. It typically grows around 0.05–0.12 metres tall. Phleum phleoides grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include pasture, hay and erosion control. It is native to Europe, North Africa and temperate Asia.

About

Phleum phleoides is a small grass reaching 0.05–0.12 metres, notable for its preference for sunny, well-drained sites. It suits sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to alkaline pH and tolerates only moderate soil moisture. Fully hardy in the UK (H7), it is used for pasture, hay and erosion control and flowers from June to August.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phleum phleoides

About the genus

Phleum is a genus of annual and perennial plants in the grass family. The genus is native to Europe, Asia and north Africa, with one species also in North and South America.

Wikipedia contributors, "Phleum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phleum

In the garden

A member of the grass family Poaceae, Phleum phleoides is native to Europe, North Africa and temperate Asia. It occupies open, sunny places and is valued where soil drains freely; the species belongs to the genus Phleum and is compact in stature, typically reaching 0.05–0.12 metres. Plant it in full sun on well-drained sandy or loamy soils and avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. Soil should be neutral to alkaline in reaction and moisture levels are best kept at moderate rather than wet. The UK hardiness rating H7 means it will tolerate typical British winter conditions without winter protection. Where it is used, it performs as part of pasture and hay mixes and can stabilise light soils prone to erosion. That narrow range of habitat preferences makes it most suitable for dry, well-drained grassland, marginal turf areas and restoration of thin soils. Flowering occurs from June to August, providing a clearly defined summer bloom period for management and cutting schedules.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Phleum

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Well-drained, sandy or loamy soils

Soil pH

Neutral to alkaline

Soil moisture

Moderate

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Phleum phleoides size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Grass

Height

0.05–0.12 metres

Suggested uses

Pasture, hay, erosion control

Native to

Europe, North Africa, temperate Asia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Phleum phleoides

Cultivation

Sow in spring or autumn; prefers well-drained soils; avoid waterlogging

Pruning

Cut back after flowering to encourage regrowth

Propagation

Seed

Frequently asked questions