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 and cottage and informal garden. It is native to Eurasia.
About
Briza media is a perennial grass that forms dense clumps, reaching heights of up to 90 cm. It features narrow, blue-green foliage. From late spring through summer, it produces slender, upright stems topped with nodding, heart-shaped flowerheads that start as purple-tinged green and mature to a buff color.
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
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
- Native to
- Eurasia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Briza media
- Cultivation
- Easy to grow in most well-drained soils in a sunny position
- Pruning
- No pruning required but flowerheads can be cut back in late summer to encourage new growth
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Briza media?
Easy to grow in most well-drained soils in a sunny position.
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?
No pruning required but flowerheads can be cut back in late summer to encourage new 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 a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Briza media?
Propagate by seed.