Description
BRIZA Media (Quaking Grass) is a delicate, ornamental grass celebrated for its nodding, heart‑shaped seed heads that tremble in the slightest breeze. This movement gives the plant its common name and makes it a favourite in sensory gardens, naturalistic meadows and wildlife‑friendly planting schemes.
Key Features:
Propagation method: Seeds.
Substrate: Jiffy peat-free propagation Mix.
Plug Size: 4.5cm.
Height: Up-to 60cm at maturity.
Spread: Up-to 40cm at maturity, forming loose, graceful clumps.
Flower/Seed head Colour: Green flushed with purple, maturing to straw‑gold.
Foliage: Fine, mid‑green leaves; soft and arching.
Flowering Period: Late spring to mid‑summer, with seed heads lasting into autumn.
Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK (H7).
Growth Habit & Ecology
Briza media is native to European meadows, grasslands and open woodland edges. Its airy, trembling seed heads create a dynamic, shimmering effect that adds movement to planting schemes. Ecologically, it plays a valuable role in species‑rich grasslands, supporting invertebrates and contributing to meadow structure.
Because it thrives in low‑nutrient soils, it is particularly useful in wildflower meadows, green roofs and climate‑resilient planting.
Plant Care:
Thrives on chalk, loam, sand and low‑fertility soils
Plant in full sun for best flowering but can tolerates light shade.
Well‑drained to moderately moist soils, avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.
Cut back old foliage in late winter.
Allow seed heads to remain for winter interest.
Divide clumps every 3–4 years if needed.
Excellent for containers, gravel gardens, meadow mixes and naturalistic borders.
Transitioning to maintenance, once established, Briza media is extremely low‑maintenance and drought‑tolerant.
Pollinator Value:
Although wind‑pollinated, it provides.
Habitat for grassland invertebrates.
Overwintering cover in its persistent seedheads.
Structural diversity in meadow ecosystems.
Sensory Value:
Iconic quaking seedheads create gentle sound and movement.
Highly tactile and visually engaging.
Ideal for sensory gardens, school gardens and therapeutic landscapes.
Ecological Value:
Key species in biodiversity‑rich meadows.
Supports micro‑fauna and ground‑dwelling insects.
Contributes to soil stability and meadow resilience.
Suitable for rewilding, meadow restoration and low‑input landscapes.
Commercial Notes:
BRIZA Media are supplied as strong, well-rooted, hardy plug plants ready for potting into pots up-to 2lt formats.
Retail lines focused on ornamental grasses and sensory plants
Wildflower meadow kits and biodiversity‑focused ranges.
Peat‑free, low‑input production (no heat or artificial light required).
Green roof mixes and drought‑tolerant schemes.
Naturalistic planting and ecological landscaping.
