Saccharum ravennae
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Common Name: plume grass
Type: Ornamental grass
Family: Poaceae
Zone: 5 to 9
Native Range: Northern Africa, Mediterranean
Garden Location: Mildred Lane Kemper Terrace Garden
Height: 6 to 12 feet
Spread: 4 to 6 feet
Bloom Time: September to October
Bloom Description: Purplish-bronze
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Colorful
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerates: Drought, Air Pollution, Black Walnuts

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.

Garden Uses

Border rears, screens or accents. Excellent specimen for areas around the home or patio where height is desired.

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