Hordeum vulgare

RHS Plant Profile
barley

Other common names

bear barley

Synonyms

Hordeum vulgare var. hexastichum
Hordeum hexastichon

Grass Like

An annual grass, more commonly known as barley with erect green stems and alternate leaves. Green flower spikes and kernels appear in the summer and wave in the breeze, turner paler golden brown as they mature. The number of rows on the flower spike determine which type of barley it is. Six-row barley is used for animal feed as it has a higher protein content where as two-row barley is used for malt production for beer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Genus
Hordeum, also known as barley, are summer-flowering annual or perennial grasses that originate from temperate regions of the northern hemisphere and South America
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed in situ in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free