Overview
Briza minor is a tufted grass like in the genus Briza, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Briza minor grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens and cottage and informal garden. It is native to Eurasia.
About
Briza minor is a compact perennial grass that reaches a height of up to 30 cm. It develops a clump of narrow, flat leaves and features panicles of broad, oval-shaped spikelets that are pale yellow and suspended from delicate 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
Best soil and position for Briza
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Briza minor size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 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
- Eurasia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Briza minor
- 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
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Briza minor?
Easy to grow in most well-drained fertile soils in a sunny position.
Where is the best place to plant Briza minor?
Briza minor prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Briza minor need?
Briza minor 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 moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Briza minor?
No pruning required.
How big does Briza minor grow?
Briza minor reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Briza minor hardy in the UK?
Briza minor has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Briza minor?
Propagate by seed, sown in situ in spring or autumn.