Smooth brome
Bromus inermis · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant smooth brome: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Poaceae (grasses)
- Form
- Perennial grass
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen
- Adult height
- 24 to 47 inches
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -4°F)
- Origin
- Central and temperate Asia
- Soil type
- Deep, well-drained, tolerant
Care
Exposure
Awnless brome thrives in full sun or partial shade. A sunny exposure strengthens its vigor and density. It tolerates reduced light nonetheless.
Soil and planting
Prefer deep, well-drained and moderately fertile soil. This grass adapts to various soil types, including poor and compacted terrain. Avoid chronic waterlogging which promotes disease.
Watering
Water regularly in the first year to establish a deep root system. Once established, the plant is very tolerant of drought. Limit watering in summer once settled.
Cutting and pruning
Allow the plant to develop freely or cut it back to 4-6 inches from the ground in spring before new growth. This mowing rejuvenates the clump and promotes dense branching.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is necessary on normally fertile soils. On very poor terrain, a light application of balanced fertilizer in spring will suffice to support growth.
Pests and diseases
Awnless brome is not very susceptible to disease. Monitor stagnant humidity which could promote root rot. Good air circulation prevents most problems.
Did you know?
Awnless brome has been widely used as livestock forage for centuries in Asia and Europe, renowned for its digestibility and productivity. Its Latin name 'inermis' means 'without spines or awns,' which distinguishes it from other bromes and makes it less irritating in hay.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Tufted hair grassDeschampsia cespitosa
- Wavy hair-grassAvenella flexuosa
- Purple moor-grassMolinia caerulea
- Reed canary-grassPhalaris arundinacea
- Common quaking grassBriza media
- Creeping soft-grassHolcus mollis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.