Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
Quaking grass, Briza media, is one of the prettiest wild grasses to grow in an ornamental border. From tufts of smooth, flat grey-green leaves it bears branched heads of ‘quaking’ green-yellow flowers, often tinged purple. A short-lived perennial, it can take a while to become established. It makes the perfect foil for colourful flowers, both in the border and the vase.
Best grown in groups for maximum impact, grow Briza media in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Semi-evergreen, cut back hard in spring if foliage is looking tatty, or simply comb out yellowing leaves.
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Briza and wildlife
Briza has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.