Saccharum ravennae - Hardy Pampas Grass

previously called Erianthus ravennae

This grass is a perfect example of four season interest that ornamental grasses can supply. This picture was taken in November. With its inch thick stems it holds up to pretty well anything winter can throw at it.

The plant in this picture is 12' tall, but we have seen it reach 15' in the Vancouver, BC area.

An excellent specimen plant.

Description: warm season; clump forming
Foliage is grey-green; 3/4" wide; 100-150 cm (40-60") in height
Flowers are pink, turning silver; blooms in late August or Sept; 350-450 cm (11-15') tall

Ideal conditions: full sun; lean soil; excessive moisture and fertile soil will cause the tall flower stems to lean and fall over.

Zone: 5 - 10 (this plant needs a long growing season for the flowers to develop) (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Suggested Uses: specimen, screen, hedge, arrangements, fall color, winter interest

Partner with: large rocks, evergreen shrubs

Season of interest: year-round, particularly in winter

Native to: north Africa and the Mediterranean

Drought tolerance rating: 2 (water to root depth once every 2 weeks); further info

Recommended spacing between plants: 90-150 cm (36-60") why such a difference?

Pronunciation: Saccharum (sa-KAR-rum) ravennae (ra-VEN-nay)

More ornamental grasses

Compare Saccharum ravennae to our other grasses in this handy chart.