General Culture:
Best grown in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Will not thrive in moist and/or fertile soils where it usually needs support. May self-seed under optimum growing conditions. Cut to the ground in late winter to early spring.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Ravenna grass (sometimes also called plume grass) is a very tall, erect, ornamental grass which forms clumps which typically grow 9-12' tall and 4-6' wide. Similar in appearance to the less hardy Pampas grass. Plumes or inflorescences (to 24" long) appear in late summer on stiff, leafed stalks well above the foliage. Plumes bloom purplish-bronze turning to silver-gray in fall and persist well into winter. Narrow, 1 inch wide, gray-green leaf blades (to 30" long) with a single white stripe down the middle of each. Rustling sound of the foliage when caressed by breezes can be quite calming. Foliage turns an attractive bronze in fall. Formerly known as Erianthus ravennae.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. May need support if grown in moist and/or fertile soils.
Uses:
Border rears, screens or accents. Excellent specimen for areas around the home or patio where height is desired.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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