How big does Quaking grass grow?

About 70 cm × 40 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 30–90 cm × 30–60 cm.

What soil does Quaking grass grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, clay, calcareous.

Is Quaking grass hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Quaking grass flower?

Flowering: May–July, green, purple.

How much water does Quaking grass need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Quaking grass

Briza media

Quaking grass (Briza media) is an ornamental grass that reaches 70 cm × 40 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €3.90.

Illustration of Quaking grass — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Quaking grass is a low, loosely tufted meadow grass whose heart-shaped spikelets dangle on hair-thin stalks in early summer and tremble in the slightest breeze; they also dry well. Give it sun and poor, well-drained, dry to medium soil, and plant it in groups or in a flowering meadow. In rich soil it grows lanky, flops and does not live long, and it seeds itself around a little.

Watch out for

It has no serious pests or diseases. It copes poorly with hot, dry summers: the foliage can brown after flowering, so cut it back then and it regrows in autumn. In a rich, irrigated border it thins out within a few years or turns weedy.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 70 cm × 40 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–July, green, purple

Group	Ornamental grass
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	70 cm × 40 cm
Ultimate size	30–90 cm × 30–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Clay, Calcareous
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	May–July, green, purple
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	35 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €3.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €3.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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