Greater quaking grass, Briza maxima, is one of the best-known annual grasses and a great favourite with flower-arrangers. It bears graceful, nodding heads of subtly coloured flowers, which are segmented and shaped like a small lantern. In the garden these nod gently in the breeze and remain decorative for some time before shedding their seeds, and they make the perfect foil for a range of flowers both in the garden and the vase.
Best grown in groups for maximum impact, sow Briza maxima in situ in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Harvest the flower stems to use in dried flower arrangements throughout winter, and save seed for use the following year.
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Briza and wildlife
Briza has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
