Greater quaking grass, Briza maxima

twopenny

I noticed this growing in a deserted council border on a public corner and it's looks charming.

I'm in need of a some tall moving plants now I've got the majority of the trees and shrubs in plus this year some Verbenas and such

But I understand it self seeds.

Would it be a nightmare to introduce this into a tightly packed border? Would it take over or is it easy to weed out the ones I don't want.

peewhyeff

I started with a small pot bought at a car boot 6 or 7 years ago. The 2nd year I thought I'd lost it. Then it reappeared. ...everywhere! After a few more years I started to cut off the seed heads and burn them......they popped and crackled like popcorn !  Last year I pulled up lots as it started appearing and am finally on top of it.  So far it's  just in some of my tubs and about 18-24" tall. I love it, the purple colour in the stems, the nodding heart shaped dangly heads, and the way it sways on just slender stems.  I'm glad I've still got some, but now I know just how invasive it can become but is easily controlled. 

twopenny

I had my suspicions Peewhyeff. I remembered when it first came on the market and everyone had it. It used to seed into the walls and escape. Then no one had it.

It is a lovely plant and this is trying to grow among all sorts that's gone rampant. Worth a go if, like forget-me-nots I can tame it.

I'll take another look and see if one jumps in my pocket

peewhyeff

Time to get the scissors out. The seedheads are now straw-coloured, dry, and even starting to drop. Snip off the seedheads and dispose of, though obviously not on the compost heap. 

Zanderman

We have it, comes back all over the place every year, but it's easy to manage, the young plants pull up easily. 

So we don't see it as a problem, just one of the annual things to do; - pull up the Briza from the areas we don't want it and leave it be in the areas we do.