Briza maxima

RHS Plant Profile
greater quaking grass

Other common names

great quaking grass, pearl grass

Synonyms

Briza major

Grass Like

An upright, perennial grass to 60cm, forming a tuft of flat, linear leaves, with panicles of large, flat, ovate, pale yellow spikelets which dangle from slender branches

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
Genus
Briza can be annual or perennial grasses forming dense tufts of linear leaves, with long-lasting, open panicles of nodding spikelets on slender branches; useful for dried flower arrangement
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Mediterranean

How to Grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in most well-drained fertile soils in a sunny position

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown in situ in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free