Greater Quaking Grass (Briza maxima) is a stunning ornamental grass known for its delicate, dangling flower heads that sway gracefully in the wind, adding a soft, enchanting touch to any garden. 🌾 The flower heads are made up of pressed spikelets that hang from slender stems, resembling French wire drop earrings. As summer fades, the flowers change from green to a warm, golden hue, creating a beautiful and lively visual effect. ✨ This heirloom plant has been cherished in gardens for generations, and its timeless charm continues to delight gardeners today.
Ideal for adding movement and texture to your garden, this ornamental grass grows to a height of 20-30 inches, making it perfect for creating gentle sways in both large and small garden spaces. 🌿 With a spacing requirement of 9-12 inches between plants, it thrives in sunny areas and prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5-7.5. 🌞
For the best results, start by sowing seeds in flats or seedling containers 5-7 weeks before the last expected frost. You can also directly sow after the frost has passed. Germination occurs within 7-14 days at temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C). 🌱 Once grown, the plant can be harvested as a fresh cut or dried flower. To preserve its delicate beauty, harvest when the seed heads are mature but still green, before they shed pollen or turn golden, as they may shatter once fully ripened. 🌸
Quaking Grass is perfect for fresh and dried arrangements, adding an elegant touch to any floral display. It also works wonderfully in naturalistic plantings, mixed grass gardens, or as part of mass plantings and containers, creating a beautiful and sophisticated atmosphere. 🌿 Whether for decorative bouquets or as a vibrant accent in your landscape, this plant is sure to bring charm and beauty to any garden. 🌷