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ornamental grass

Quaking Grass*

Briza media

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Quaking Grass (Briza media) at Squak Mountain Nursery

Quaking Grass

Quaking Grass

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

* This is a "special order" plant - contact store for details

Plant Height:  15 inches

Flower Height:  3 feet

Spacing:  15 inches

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  4

Description:

This ornamental grass features clumps of narrow, erect green leaves; tiny greenish flowers on airy panicles in spring; purplish, hop-like seed heads mature to tan and dangle on threadlike stems, quivering in the slightest breeze

Ornamental Features

Quaking Grass features showy plumes of chartreuse hop-like flowers rising above the foliage from late spring to early summer. Its attractive narrow leaves remain green in color throughout the season. The purple seed heads are carried on showy plumes which fade to tan over time, which are displayed in abundance from mid summer to mid fall.

Landscape Attributes

Quaking Grass is an herbaceous perennial grass with a shapely form and gracefully arching stems. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Self-Seeding

Quaking Grass is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover
  • Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Quaking Grass will grow to be about 15 inches tall at maturity extending to 3 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 18 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 15 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.

 

* This is a "special order" plant - contact store for details

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Garden  Groundcover  Naturalizing 
Applications
Flowers  Fruit  Foliage Color  Texture 
Ornamental Features

Disclaimer - This Plant Finder tool is an online resource representing many of the varieties that we carry over the course of the season, and is intended for informational purposes only. Inventory varies seasonally, so we cannot guarantee that every plant will be in stock at all times - please contact the store directly for availability. It does not include our entire inventory of plants, so be sure to visit our store to see varieties that may not be represented on this list.