Photo: zebedeugalinhaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Greater Quaking Grass Plant Care
Briza maxima L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Known for its distinctive nodding seed heads that resemble delicate hearts, this plant originates from southern Europe and northern Africa. Plant collectors are drawn to Briza maxima for its unique ornamental value, adding a whimsical touch to any garden or bouquet.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Greater Quaking Grass?
Water Greater Quaking Grass every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Greater Quaking Grass Native To?
What Is the Greater Quaking Grass?
Greater Quaking Grass (Briza maxima) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Briza genus. Greater Quaking Grass is native to Northern Africa, Western Asia and Southern Europe. Greater Quaking Grass is also known as Large Quaking Grass, Pearl Grass.
Greater Quaking Grass displays a clumping ornamental grass growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Greater Quaking Grass produces small, delicate spikelets with ornamental drooping panicles.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Greater Quaking Grass?
Briza maxima requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Greater Quaking Grass Need?
Greater Quaking Grass thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Greater Quaking Grass Prefer?
Briza maxima grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Greater Quaking Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Greater Quaking Grass?
Well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Greater Quaking Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Greater Quaking Grass?
Feed Greater Quaking Grass every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Greater Quaking Grass?
Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Greater Quaking Grass?
Greater Quaking Grass can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to quaking grass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Greater Quaking Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Greater Quaking Grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Greater Quaking Grass?
Greater Quaking Grass is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, cutworms. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Greater Quaking Grass Need?
Greater Quaking Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Greater Quaking Grass is native to Northern Africa, Western Asia and Southern Europe.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Greater Quaking Grass is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Briza genus — compare its care with other Briza species on PlantoScan.
Briza is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Greater Quaking Grass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Briza maxima L., family Poaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 70 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Greater Quaking Grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: zebedeugalinha, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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