Briza media (Quaking Grass)
Quaking Grass, Common Quaking Grass, Rattle Grass, Pearl Grass, Shivering grass, Trembling Grass, Cow Quakes, Didder, Totter, Dillies
A very entertaining ornamental grass, Briza media (Quaking Grass) features diffusely branched inflorescences tipped with flattened dangling spikelets resembling puffy oats. Appearing in the spring, they are very attractive and amusing, rattling and quivering in the slightest breeze, which is where the name derives from. Green at first with tints of purple, they gradually fade to tan color and make a charming presence in the landscape. They are borne atop erect stems rising well above the foliage of soft, deep green, fine-textured, semi-evergreen leaves. A durable and long-lived ornamental grass!
- Reliable and easy to grow, Quaking Grass is an excellent choice for adding height and structure to the garden, this architectural grass is perfect for borders where it will easily combine with other plants, cottage gardens, prairie plantings, meadows, and naturalized areas. Common Quaking Grass looks best when used in masses. Excellent for cutting, fresh or dried arrangements.
- Growing in a dense clump about 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 12-18 in. across (30-45 cm), it enjoys full sun and average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Quaking Grass is not fussy and tolerates a wide range of soils (poorly drained and heavy soils). Intolerant of hot summers. Drought tolerant once established too!
- Requires very little care
- Generally pest and disease free, it is deer resistant.
- Cut back immediately after seed heads disintegrate to promote additional foliage growth.
- Clumps are easily divided in fall or early spring.
- Native to Europe and Asia
Buy Briza media (Quaking Grass)
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 12 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" (45cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 12 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" (45cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |