Briza Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 22nd Oct 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Briza plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Quaking Grass: Cultivation & Garden Use

Briza are hardy annual or hardy perennial grasses.

Some of the common names for these plants include Quaking grass, Rattlesnake grass, Cow-quake, and Doddering dillies. These are often grown as ornamental grasses in the garden.

Typically growing to a height of between one to two feet (30 and 60 cm), these plants flower in the Summer carrying spearheads of silver.

Briza media by Bas Kers.

How to Grow Briza, Quaking Grass

If planning to grow Briza outdoors from the off it is best to sow out the seed either at the end of summer or at the end of spring when there is no chance of frost at a depth of about 1/8th of an inch (3 mm).

When growing Quaking grass indoors before transplanting out later, then the process should be started about seven weeks before putting the seedlings outdoor.

Be sure to use peat pots for annual species as they do not like to be moved.

Germination of Briza should be performed at 55°F (13°C) and takes two or three weeks.

The seedlings should then be put out after the last chance of any frost in the spring.

Seedlings should be spaced at about 30 cm and put into a well drained light soil.

Caring for Briza plants

Plants of the Briza genus are pretty easy to look after; they should be regularly watered in dry periods (despite their drought tolerance) and cut back to the ground when they begin to look tatty.

Though most of the plants of this genus are drought tolerant Briza minor is not, so be sure to take good care of this species in hot weather.

Information on Briza

There are twelve species in the Briza genus, and they go under the common names of Quaking grasses. They are members of the grass family (Poaceaea) and the native origins are the Mediterranean regions of South Europe, Northern Africa and West Asia.

It has since been introduced and naturalized in the rest of Europe, Australasia and the Americas.

As a member of the grass family Briza is closely related to species such as Rice (Oryza), Wheat (Triticum), Oats (Avena), Bamboo (Phyllostachys) and Stipa.

Briza major by David Hofmann 08.

Specific Information and Tips for Growing Briza Species in the Garden

There are three main species of Briza that are grown as ornamental grasses by gardeners, most of these were given their common names because of how they seem to shiver in slight breezes.

Briza media: Quaking grass; Rattlesnake grass

Common names: Quaking grass; Cow quake; Didder; Doddering dillies; Jocky grass; Quakers and Shakers; Tottergrass. (perennial)

This perennial ornamental grass reaches an height of 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) and looks delightful when its ¾ inch (2cm) long spearheads shake in a light breeze.

Briza media can be grown in either a lightly shaded or fully sunlit part of the garden and should be spaced about 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm) apart.

Blooms may be purple or green in color and occur in the middle of summer.

As a perennial member of the Briza media genus it can be propagated by division at the start of spring, or by sowing seed following the last frost.

Briza maxima: Large quaking grass

Common names: Great quaking grass; Blowfly grass; Shell grass (annual)

This is an annual that reaches up to three feet (90 cm) in height.

It blooms in the summer carrying pale green spearheads.

These plants are grown as an ornamental grass and look very attractive as part of a floral arrangement.

As an annual it is important not to move the plant, so if starting inside be sure to use peat pots. Only grow from seed.

Briza maxima plants like to grow in full sunlight and should be spaced about 12 inches (30 cm) apart.

Briza minor: Large quaking grass

Common names: Little quaking grass (annual)

These delightful ornamental annuals make great plants to use as ground cover.

Unlike other members of the Briza genus they do not like over hot conditions; be sure to supply regular watering.

Briza minor varieties range in height from 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) and should be grown in full sunlight.

Sow seeds out following the last frost with a spacing of about 10 inches (25 cm).

Common Questions

How many members does the Briza genus have?

The Briza genus has about 20 species.

Do members of Briza make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Briza or quaking grasses are favored for their distinctive seed heads that add texture and movement to gardens.

Which Briza species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Briza media (Quaking Grass) is often grown for its attractive seed heads that quiver in the breeze.

Are members of the Briza plant genus fragrant?

No, Briza plants are not known for fragrance, but they have appealing visual features.

What is the perfect location to grow Briza?

Briza prefers a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained soil.

Is Briza invasive in the USA?

Currently, Briza is not considered invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Briza plants from my garden?

To remove Briza, dig out the plant, making sure to remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Briza genus, also known as quaking grass, is a part of the Poaceae family and is native to various regions, including Europe, Asia, and Africa. These ornamental grasses are appreciated for their delicate, shaking seed heads, which add movement and texture to the garden.

To grow Briza, plant them in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil. They're drought-tolerant once established, and are generally low-maintenance plants. Plant in the spring from seed or by division, and enjoy their beauty throughout the summer.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Briza plants. You may also enjoy the following growing guides: How to grow Fountain Grass and Miscanthus.