Botanical Name: Erianthus ravennae
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Common Name: Ravenna Grass  
Plant photo of: Erianthus ravennae
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Water Saving Tip:

Even though it's hot, your lawn only needs to be watered twice a week to stay healthy.

And don't water the whole lawn for a brown spot—drag out a hose.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass

 

Height Range

6-12'

 

Flower Color

Pink, White

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Green, Purple

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Fast

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Japanese, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Silhouette, Specimen

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Hedge, Screen, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Susan Frommer
  • Description

  • Notes

Ravenna grass is a fabulous ornamental grass, from its striking silhouette and silky plumes to its fall color and winter presence. Emerging mid to late spring, it clumping, upright arching mound of foliage quickly reaches 3 to 5 feet. Plume stalks begin to emerge, with silky plumes emerging mid to late summer. As temperatures cool, plumes turn pinkish and foliage takes on burgundy hues. Very winter persistent. Winter birds will love the seeds. Grows 8 to 10 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. Plumes are lovely in vases.
Grow in full sun and well drained soil. Will grow in gravelly, sandy-loam, clay-loam, or clay. Cut back in late winter (see Guides). Deer and rabbit resistant; birds love the seeds.