Are you looking for a tall, striking ornamental grass to add to your landscaping? Look no further than Ravenna Grass (Erianthus ravennae)! Native to Southern Europe and North Africa, this hardy perennial is a beautiful addition to any garden.
Ravenna Grass has silvery flowers and forms clumps of basal leaves called tussocks. Flowering stems are erect and can reach up to 13 feet (4 meters) tall. Leaves occur on stems up to the base of the inflorescences and the leaf blades are 3-4 feet long with blue-green coloration and hairy bases, sporting a distinctive white mid-vein.
This is an excellent choice for those who want a tall ornamental grass—reaching 9-12 feet in height—that’s also easy to maintain. It’s hardy in zones 5-9, needing little more than occasional watering and trimming during its growing season.
Unlike Pampas Grass—which is often confused with Ravenna Grass—this species has silvery flowers rather than very white, fluffy ones. As such, it can be used as an effective contrast plant when paired with oter bright colors or as a backdrop for lighter plants.
Ravenna Grass is also great for gardeners who want something that will make their gardens look lush without having to put too much work into it. With its impressive height and beautiful foliage, it’s sure to be an eye-catching part of any landscape design!
Comparing Ravenna Grass and Pampas Grass
No, Ravenna Grass and Pampas Grass are not the same plant. While they are both tall, they have very different flowers. Ravenna Grass has silvery flowers while Pampas Grass has very white, fluffy flowers.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Height of Ravenna Grass
Ravenna grass is a tall perennial grass that can reach heights of up to 13 feet (4 meters).
Identifying Ravenna Grass
Ravenna grass is easily identifiable by its leaf blades, whih are 3 to 4 feet long (1 m.) and have a blue-green color with white mid-veins and hairy bases. It also forms a dense clump with slightly weaker stems than traditional pampas grass. Additionally, ravenna grass has a sweet aroma when crushed, whereas other grasses do not.
Origin of Ravenna Grass
Erianthus ravennae is native to Southern Europe and North Africa. This hardy perennial grass grows in zones 5 to 9 and reaches heights of up to 12 feet tall, making it one of the tallest ornamental grasses available.
Is Hardy Pampas Grass a Perennial?
Yes, Hardly Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana) is a very hardy perennial grass native to Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. It can reach up to 10 feet in height and 6 feet in width and produces beautiful silvery-white plumes from late summer onwards.
Source: outsidepride.com
The Benefits of Plume Grass
Plume grass is a tall, reedlike perennial that grows from 1 to 3 metres (3.3 to 10 feet) tall. Its thick jointed stems are high in sugar content and bear long straplike leaves. The flowers of plume grass are borne in dense cylindrical, plumelike panicles or flower clusters.
The Sharpness of Ravenna Grass
Yes, ravenna grass has sharp edges. Its leaves are serrated and can cause scratches or cuts if you don’t wear gloves when handling it. It is also an aggressive plant that can be difficult to remove from a garden if it self-seeds under optimum growing conditions.
The Cold Hardiness of Pampas Grass
Yes, Pampas Grass is cold hardy! Hardy Pampas Grass (Saccharum ravennae ‘Erianthus’) is a variety of Pampas Grass that is suitable for colder climates and can survive in USDA Hardiness Planting Zone 6. This variety will reach a height of 5 feet and produce airy, white plumes that can reach up to 10 feet tall.
Is Miscanthus a Type of Grass?
Yes, Miscanthus is definitely a grass. It is an attractive, perennial grass that grows in clumps and produces long stems of foliage that reach up to six feet in height. In late summer, it produces plumes of white or pink flowers. Because it is a hardy grass, it can remain green and lush for sevral years with minimal maintenance.
Source: swallowtailgardenseeds.com
The Invasiveness of Erianthus Ravennae
Yes, Erianthus Ravennae is an invasive plant species. It has been known to spread rapidly and aggressively crowd out native vegetation in warmer climates, particularly in the southern United States. Its ability to spread quickly makes it difficult to cotain and eradicate once established. Therefore, it is important to use extreme caution when planting this grass in any area where it may become a problem.
Caring for a Saccharum Ravennae
To take care of a Saccharum Ravennae, it is important to water deeply and regularly dring the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Plant it in spring or early summer, and once it is established, reduce watering. It tolerates moderate drought, so only water when the soil feels dry when you check it with your finger. Make sure not to over-water as this can lead to root rot. Fertilize at least twice a year using a low-nitrogen fertilizer such as a 5-10-10 blend. Finally, trim back any dead or damaged foliage throughout the growing season to maintain the shape of the plant and encourage healthy new growth.
Does Pampas Grass Grow in Colorado?
Yes, pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) can indeed be found in Colorado. It grows in various parts of the state, but is more commonly seen in the Denver area. The York Street gardens are a popular spot for spotting pampas grass, and it can also be seen in several other locations around Denver.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ravenna Grass is a tall, hardy perennial ornamental grass that is made up of clumps of basal leaves called tussocks and flowering stems up to 13 feet tall. Its leaf blades are blue-green in color with hairy bases and a distinctive white mid-vein, and it reaches 9 to 12 feet in height. This unique grass is native to Southern Europe and North Africa and is well-suited for zones 5 to 9. For those loking for a beautiful addition to their landscape, Ravenna Grass is an excellent choice.
