Overview
Briza media is a columnar upright grass like in the genus Briza, part of the Poaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Briza media grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, flower borders and beds and cut flowers. It is native to Albania, Assam, Austria, Azores, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canary Is., Central European Russia, China South-Central and Corse.
About
Briza media, commonly known as common quaking grass, is a semi-evergreen, herbaceous perennial grass with a columnar upright habit. It typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre and spreads between 0.1 and 0.5 metres, reaching full height within 2 to 5 years. Native to northern temperate regions of Eurasia and North Africa, this grass thrives in full sun with a sheltered aspect, favouring well-drained soils of various types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. It is particularly notable in spring and summer.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Briza media
About the genus
Briza is a genus of annual and perennial plants in the grass family, native to northern temperate regions of Eurasia, North Africa, and certain islands in the Atlantic.
Wikipedia contributors, "Briza", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Briza
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Briza
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Briza media size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds, Cut flowers
- Native to
- Albania, Assam, Austria, Azores, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canary Is., Central European Russia, China South-Central, Corse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Briza media
- Cultivation
- Sow seeds in spring or autumn in well-drained soil; requires minimal maintenance; avoid waterlogged conditions
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Briza media?
Sow seeds in spring or autumn in well-drained soil; requires minimal maintenance; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Briza media?
Briza media prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Briza media need?
Briza media is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Briza media?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Briza media grow?
Briza media reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Briza media hardy in the UK?
Briza media has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Briza media?
Seed.
More in the Briza genus
Browse all Briza →
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