Remote Ryegrass: An Uncommon Grass with a Curious Story
Meet remote ryegrass (Lolium remotum), a grass that lives up to its name by being quite the uncommon find in North American gardens. While most gardeners are familiar with common ryegrass varieties, this annual grass brings its own unique character to the table—though you might wonder if it deserves a spot in your landscape.
What Is Remote Ryegrass?
Remote ryegrass is an annual grass belonging to the Poaceae family, the same group that includes all our familiar lawn and ornamental grasses. As a non-native species, it originally hails from Mediterranean regions but has found its way to Canada, where it now grows and reproduces on its own in Ontario and Newfoundland.
This grass is part of the ryegrass family, though it’s considerably less common than its cousins that you might see in seed mixes at your local garden center.
Should You Grow Remote Ryegrass?
Here’s where things get interesting. Remote ryegrass isn’t exactly what you’d call a showstopper in the ornamental department. As an annual grass, it completes its entire life cycle in one growing season, which means you’re looking at replanting each year if you want it to stick around.
The Pros:
- Low maintenance once established
- Adapts to various growing conditions
- Interesting for botanical collectors
- Annual nature means no long-term commitment
The Cons:
- Limited ornamental appeal
- Needs annual replanting
- Not widely available in nurseries
- Minimal wildlife benefits compared to native alternatives
Growing Remote Ryegrass Successfully
If you’re determined to give remote ryegrass a try, the good news is that it’s relatively undemanding. Like most ryegrasses, it prefers full sun conditions and can tolerate a range of soil types.
Planting Tips:
- Sow seeds in early spring after the last frost
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil
- Scatter seeds lightly and barely cover with soil
- Keep soil consistently moist during germination
Care Requirements:
- Water regularly during dry spells
- No fertilization typically needed
- Allow plants to self-seed if you want them to return
- Minimal pest or disease issues
Native Alternatives to Consider
While remote ryegrass isn’t problematic, you might want to consider native grass alternatives that provide similar texture but offer greater benefits to local wildlife and ecosystems. Native bunch grasses or cool-season grasses native to your region will typically provide better habitat for birds, beneficial insects, and other wildlife while requiring less maintenance once established.
The Bottom Line
Remote ryegrass is one of those plants that falls into the neutral category—it’s not going to harm your garden, but it’s not going to be the star of the show either. If you’re curious about unusual grasses or have a particular interest in the Lolium genus, it might be worth a try. However, most gardeners will probably find better value in native grass alternatives that offer more bang for their buck in terms of both aesthetics and ecological benefits.
Sometimes the most remote choice isn’t necessarily the best choice, and that might just be the case with remote ryegrass.
