About

Briza maxima is a perennial grass that can reach heights of up to 60 cm. It develops a clump of narrow, flat leaves and produces panicles that bear large, flat, ovate spikelets. These pale yellow spikelets hang from delicate, slender stems.

About the genus

Briza includes both annual and perennial grasses that develop dense clusters of narrow leaves. These plants produce elongated, airy panicles featuring drooping spikelets on delicate stems, making them valuable for use in dried floral arrangements.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, East-facing, South-facing, North-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Grass Like
Habit
Tufted
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
1-2 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native to
Mediterranean

Care notes

Cultivation
Easy to grow in most well-drained fertile soils in a sunny position
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in situ in spring or autumn
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free