loading

Briza media

common quaking grass

Product Image
An attractive ornamental grass for naturalistic borders and wildflower gardens, this semi-evergreen perennial forms neat, clump-forming tufts of blue-green foliage.

From late spring into summer, upright stems carry delicate, nodding flowerheads shaped like small hearts or lockets. These emerge green with a purple flush and gradually fade to buff as they mature.

Briza media is compact and low maintenance, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, and is drought-tolerant once established. The distinctive seedheads are ideal for cutting and drying. Commonly known as quaking grass, it adds movement and subtle texture to borders and meadow-style planting.

How to care for Briza media:

Plant Briza in full sun or light shade in well-drained soil – it will tolerate poor, dry soils once established. Water regularly during dry spells in the first growing season to help it settle in.

Mulch in spring to suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Leave flowerheads standing through winter for structure and wildlife interest. Divide clumps in spring if they become congested.
Flowering period:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Eventual height:
0.9m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Position:

Full sun

Rate of growth:

Fast-growing

Soil:

Light sandy

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

  • InformationThis grass is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its foliage in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose it all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

Product options

Product options image
RH30003513
9cm pot
£9.99
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
Product options image
RH30001156
3 × 9cm pots
£16.79 £5.60 each
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
1
Delivery options (pick your preferred option at checkout)
Standard Delivery£5.99
Named Day Delivery£10.99
Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year