Quaking grass Briza media 'Russells' (PBR)

Water

Quaking grass should be watered moderately, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. During the active growing season in spring and summer, watering may be required once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil drainage. It's preferable to water deeply, allowing water to reach the roots – for a potted plant, this could be about half a gallon every week. In the dormant season, fall and winter, reduce watering frequency to once every two weeks or less, depending on the climate. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to let the soil dry out slightly between watering sessions.

Light

Quaking grass thrives best in full to partial sun exposure. This means it should receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot for this plant would be an area where it gets morning sunlight and some shade in the afternoon to protect it from the intense heat of midday, especially in hotter climates.

Temperature

Quaking grass prefers temperate conditions and can typically withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Optimal growing temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme temperatures outside of this range, especially prolonged freezing or sweltering heat, can damage the plant.

Pruning

Quaking grass doesn't require frequent pruning, but it can be beneficial to trim back the plant after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth the following season. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged foliage as needed to keep the plant looking tidy.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Quaking Grass prefers well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of loam, sand, and compost is ideal to provide the necessary nutrients and drainage.

Repotting

Quaking Grass is typically grown as a perennial and does not require frequent repotting. It should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil.

Humidity & Misting

Quaking Grass thrives in average humidity levels found in most outdoor environments and does not have specific humidity requirements.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Quaking Grass in bright, indirect light indoors.

• Outdoor

  Plant Quaking Grass in full sun to partial shade outdoors.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Briza media 'Russells' (PBR), commonly known as Quaking Grass, starts its life cycle as a seed, which requires sowing in well-drained soil during spring or autumn. The seeds germinate, and seedlings emerge, usually requiring a cold period to break dormancy. After germination, the plant grows into a clump of grass with narrow leaves, entering the vegetative stage. During late spring to summer, Briza media 'Russells' (PBR) reaches the reproductive stage, developing flower stalks and panicles with dangling spikelets that quiver in the wind. After pollination, which is mainly by the wind, the flowers develop into seeds that mature by late summer. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during winter, when growth slows down, completing its annual life cycle to start anew with the next generation of seedlings in the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Briza media 'Russells' (PBR), commonly known as Quaking Grass, can typically be propagated by seed. The best time to sow the seeds is in the spring, after the risk of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm up. To propagate by seed, one must prepare a well-draining potting mix in a flat or container. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil, lightly pressing them into the soil without completely covering them, as they need light to germinate. Keep the potting mix moist but not waterlogged. Seeds will usually germinate within two to three weeks when maintained at around 70°F (21°C). When seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted to their final position, preferably in a sunny or partly shaded area with well-drained soil.