Bromus japonicus
Bromus japonicus · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant bromus japonicus: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Poaceae (grasses)
- Foliage
- Deciduous, annual or overwintering
- Flowering
- April to July
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Good, suited to temperate climates
- Origin
- East Asia (Japan, Manchuria)
Care
Watering
Japanese brome relies on natural rainfall once established. Water regularly when sowing or for young plants to ensure good germination. During prolonged dry spells, moderate watering promotes growth, but this grass tolerates drought well.
Exposure
Install this grass in full sun for optimal growth. It accepts partial shade, but development and density will be better with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil and planting
Japanese brome adapts to most soils, even poor or well-draining ones. It prefers well-drained soil and tolerates both acidity and alkalinity. Sow in autumn or spring for rapid establishment.
Trimming and cutting
Cut this grass in late winter or early spring before new growth. You can maintain it at 5-10 cm for forage uses. Regular cutting rejuvenates the tuft and limits self-seeding.
Fertilizing
Japanese brome does not require regular fertilizer. A moderate nitrogen application in spring can stimulate growth on poor soil, but this hardy grass generally thrives with the natural fertility of the soil.
Diseases and pests
This grass is generally very hardy and little susceptible to diseases. It can be affected by rusts in very humid and stagnant conditions. Ensure proper drainage to prevent any fungal proliferation.
Did you know?
Japanese brome is an ancient forage grass once cultivated in East Asia for livestock feed. Introduced to the West in the 19th century, it was evaluated for pasture and meadow improvement, particularly in North America where it has naturalized.
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.