Briza Maxima - Quaking Grass

The most tactile grass in the cutting garden. Briza Maxima produces heart-shaped, locket-like seed heads dangling from thread-fine stems so delicate that the slightest breath of wind sets the whole plant rattling and dancing — a quality that adds movement and life to any border or arrangement that nothing else quite replicates.

The seed heads start out silvery-green tinged with pink, ripen gradually to warm golden straw, and hold their shape and colour brilliantly for dried arrangements. Drought-tolerant, self-seeding, and one of the most useful plants in the cutting patch.

• Briza maxima — Hardy Annual
• Height: 45–60cm | Flowers/seed heads: June–September
• Direct sow autumn or March–May — do not transplant
• Full sun; well-drained soil — drought-tolerant once established
• Self-seeds politely once established
• Outstanding for cutting fresh and drying

Grow it through a border of Echinacea and Achillea for a naturalistic planting that moves beautifully in the wind.