Orcutt's Brome

Watering for Orcutt's Brome depends on its environment. For best growth, it should be watered deeply once a week in the heat of the summer. During the spring and fall, water should be reduced and plants should be watered every 2 weeks. During winter, water only when soil is dry to a depth of 1 inch. If rainfall is adequate, watering may not be necessary. In drier climates, plants may need to be watered throughout all seasons, especially when temperatures rise above 70 degrees. In any climate, water the base of the plants rather than watering the foliage. Add mulch near the base of the plant for better water stability and lower water needs.

Orcutt's Brome (Bromus orcuttianus) is a warm-season grass native to the low elevations of the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts in California and Arizona. This species is tolerant of dry and hot conditions and prefers full sun. It is an annual species, blooming from spring through summer. This plant thrives in areas that are sunny for most of the day and does not do well in shaded areas. For optimal growth and health, Orcutt's Brome should receive at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It should be planted during the warmest part of the season for best chances of success.

Orcutt's Brome is best pruned during the dormant season, from late fall to early spring. Pruning should be minimal to maintain the natural form of the plant. To keep it healthy, remove any dead, diseased or broken stems, as well as any stems that are competing for the same light and space. Cut back individual flowering stems to a healthy lateral bud or to the base of the plant. You can also deadhead any spent flower heads or shear off the top portion of the clump to help maintain its desired size.