Briza maxima
greater quaking grass
Graceful, green locket-shaped flowers, tinged reddish-brown or purplish-grey, turning straw-coloured when ripe. This lovely annual ornamental grass is perfect for a sunny, well-drained border or wildflower garden where the lockets will rustle and shimmer in the slightest breeze.
Originating from the Mediterranean, Briza maxima is larger and coarser than its perennial cousin, and given the right conditions it can self-seed prolifically. The flowers are great for adding to naturalised dried flower arrangements.
Originating from the Mediterranean, Briza maxima is larger and coarser than its perennial cousin, and given the right conditions it can self-seed prolifically. The flowers are great for adding to naturalised dried flower arrangements.
How to care for Briza maxima:
Once seedlings grown indoors are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots and grow on in a bright, sheltered spot. When well established, harden off and plant out into well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Space plants around 25cm (10in) apart to allow for their clump-forming habit.
This perennial grass prefers low-fertility soils and doesn’t need feeding, which helps keep growth compact and encourages good flower formation. Avoid overly rich or wet soil, and cut back old foliage in early spring to keep the plant tidy and allow fresh new growth to emerge.
This perennial grass prefers low-fertility soils and doesn’t need feeding, which helps keep growth compact and encourages good flower formation. Avoid overly rich or wet soil, and cut back old foliage in early spring to keep the plant tidy and allow fresh new growth to emerge.
Sowing instructions:
Sow indoors from February to March into pots or trays filled with seed compost. Sow direct from April to May, or for germination the following spring, sow from August to September.
Sow 6mm deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart in well-cultivated soil with a fine tilth. Once germinated and seedlings are large enough to handle thin to 25cm (10in) spacing.
Sow 6mm deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart in well-cultivated soil with a fine tilth. Once germinated and seedlings are large enough to handle thin to 25cm (10in) spacing.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
approx 225 seeds
was £2.69
now £2.02
In stock
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(shipped within 2-3 working days)
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