About
Briza media, the common quaking grass, is a clump-forming, perennial grass to around 90 cm tall with narrow, blue-green leaves. From late spring to summer, slender, upright stems bear open panicles of nodding, broadly heart-shaped, purple-tinted green flowerheads that age to a warm buff and persist as attractive seedheads well into autumn. One of the most ornamental of all native British grasses.
About the genus
Briza, the quaking grasses, can be annual or perennial grasses forming dense tufts of linear leaves with long-lasting, open panicles of nodding, heart-shaped or oval spikelets that tremble and rustle in the breeze. Popular ornamental grasses for sunny borders and cut-flower arrangements.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toEurasia
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in most well-drained soils in a sunny position
PruningNo pruning required but flowerheads can be cut back in late summer to encourage new growth
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free