Briza Maxima - Quaking Grass
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Description
Briza maxima Greater Quaking Grass / Rattle Grass
Heart-shaped, locket-like seed heads dangling from fine wiry stems and trembling in the slightest breeze — Briza maxima is literally the sound of a lazy summer afternoon, and quietly one of the most useful ornamental grasses you can grow from seed.
The seed heads are the entire point of this Mediterranean grass. Each one is shaped like a small, flattened, scaly heart-shaped locket, hanging on a thread-fine stem so delicate that the slightest breath of wind sets the whole plant rattling and dancing. They start out a soft silvery-green tinged with pink, then ripen gradually through the summer to a warm golden straw colour, and the dried heads hold their shape and colour brilliantly for everlasting arrangements. Hardy annual that grows to 45–60cm in a tidy clump, flowers from June onwards, and self-seeds politely if allowed. Exceptional in cottage gardens, gravel borders, meadow-style plantings and most especially the cutting garden — both for fresh and for drying. Drought-tolerant once established, deer- and rabbit-resistant.
A note on growing
Easy. Sow direct outdoors from March to May, or autumn-sow in September for stronger, earlier-flowering plants the following year. The seeds are larger than most flower seeds and germinate reliably; sow at 1cm depth and thin to about 15cm spacing. Briza prefers lean, well-drained soil — like Bunny Tails and Bronze Fennel, it produces more flowers in poor ground than in rich. Do not add compost or fertiliser. Full sun. Self-seeded plants will appear in following years; either pull excess seedlings or transplant them as desired.
Where it shines
In the cutting garden first and foremost, where the trembling heart-shaped lockets bring movement and informal grace to any summer bouquet. As a dried flower, Briza is one of the most reliable performers — the heads hold their shape and ripening colours for years. In the border, plant in airy drifts at the front or middle for a soft, meadow-style effect. In gravel gardens and Mediterranean-style plantings, the natural drought-tolerance suits the dry conditions perfectly. The seed heads are also surprisingly long-lasting in the garden — they look beautiful well into autumn, providing winter structure if left.
Plant alongside
For a cottage cutting garden grass-and-flower combination, plant Briza alongside Bunny Tails (its softer relative) and the airy white lace of Ammi majus. For meadow-style plantings, combine with Cornflower, Larkspur and Bronze Fennel. For drying, harvest alongside Bunny Tails, Bupleurum and the dried Aster heads for a coordinated everlasting harvest.
Delivery
The seeds will be dispatched direct to you by Bishy Barnabees. Please allow up to 5 days for delivery.
Delivery & Returns
Delivery:
Delivery to mainland UK is calculated at checkout. For all other areas and large orders please ask for a quote. Orders will be sent by express next day delivery (DPD). They will be dispatched on a next working day service, with the exception of Ireland where it may take two days. Please allow up to 48 hours for delivery in the UK as the couriers may have already been and collected on the day you send your order in. Smaller orders for pouches, pockets, bags and pots may be sent via Royal Mail delivery. Please ensure you supply an email address and a mobile so you can be updated about your delivery. Should you have any problems with your delivery, please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk.Special Deliveries
Saturday or weekday morning deliveries can be arranged, but there will be a surcharge. Please contact us to request a price for either of these delivery services. If you need a parcel sending outside of the UK, please contact us for a quote.Returns:
If you are not completely happy with any product that you have ordered from us, you may return it to us in its original condition any time within 14 calendar days from the date of dispatch. Products must be returned in their original condition. Please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk to arrange a return. If you return a product by post, you will need to pay the costs of returning the product to us and obtain proof of posting.
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Gardening organically is a more affordable and long term alternative to using chemical fertilisers. Natural Grower products eliminate waste because the nutrients are slowly released to the plants as they need them. Over the long-term you save money because your soil health naturally improves, which in turn produces healthier, stronger, disease resistant plants. Chemical products may cost less financially in the short term, but they don’t provide any long-term benefits and the damage they do to the natural eco-system in the soil is costly.
Slow release for sustained growth
Organic fertilisers are broken down slowly by organisms in the soil to produce a more measured, consistent, natural release of nutrients. This results in uniform growth with strong stems and leaves, unlike chemical fertilisers which provide a sudden boost resulting in tall lanky plants. Stronger plants are more resistant to disease, and with the presence of mycorrizhal fungi to strengthen the roots, the plants, soil and fungi all work together long-term to create the perfect natural eco-system.
Love your land
The organic matter in Natural Grower will help keep your soil or compost in optimum condition, retain moisture over the dry summer months and improve the health and structure of your soil. The presence of natural Mycorrhizal fungi in our products enhances root growth, enabling plants to extract nutrients and absorb water more efficiently from the soil or compost. By using our products you will be supporting and enhancing the natural eco-system in the soil.
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Natural Grower’s chemical free fertiliser products are approved organic, biodynamic and vegan. Plant-based and free from chemicals they are safe to use around wildlife, pets and children. Eco-friendly and sustainably produced in the UK. Our packaging is made from recycled plastic where possible and is all 100% recyclable. We are always happy to refill used containers, and often sell our products in reused containers or slightly damaged packaging at a reduced price. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
