Rattlesnake grass
Briza maxima · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant rattlesnake grass: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Poaceae (grasses)
- Foliage
- Deciduous, fine and graceful
- Flowering
- Late spring to summer (May-July)
- Adult size
- 16-24 inches tall
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Annual or biennial depending on climate
- Origin
- Mediterranean basin and North Africa
- Soil
- Well-drained, even poor
Care
Light Exposure
Big quaking grass prefers full sun exposure, with a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It tolerates partial shade but develops best in full sun. Good light encourages foliage density and elegance.
Watering
Water moderately during growth, especially during dry periods. Once established, big quaking grass tolerates dry soils and fears excess water more than drought. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
Soil
Well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot. Big quaking grass tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky soils. No rich amendment is necessary; it actually prefers austere conditions.
Pruning and Cutting
Leave the flower heads in place as long as you like to enjoy their light texture and ornamental effect. At the end of the season, cut stems back to ground level or leave them for winter interest before spring cleanup.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer is needed. Big quaking grass is a hardy grass that thrives without feeding. Too-rich soil would stimulate unruly growth at the expense of elegance.
Diseases and Pests
Big quaking grass is very disease-resistant. The main risk is root rot from stagnant moisture. Check drainage especially in winter and avoid excessive watering.
Did you know?
Big quaking grass is famous for its spikelets shaped like tiny hearts or pearls that tremble at the slightest breeze — its Latin name 'Briza' is said to mean 'to tremble' in ancient Greek. It was long cultivated in Victorian ornamental gardens and remains a star of dried flower arrangements, as it beautifully preserves its delicate forms even once dried.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Tufted hair grassDeschampsia cespitosa
- Wavy hair-grassAvenella flexuosa
- Purple moor-grassMolinia caerulea
- Reed canary-grassPhalaris arundinacea
- Common quaking grassBriza media
- Creeping soft-grassHolcus mollis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.