Ripidium ravennae (syn. Saccharum ravennae)
Ravennae Grass, Northern Pampas Grass
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Ripidium ravennae is sometimes confused with Pampas Grass (Cortaderia solloana) because it is also a large plant with beautiful plumes. In fact, one of its common names is Northern Pampas Grass. However, Ripidium ravennae is much hardier, and its plumes extend four feet above the foliage on strong stalks. With plumes, it can reach up to 14 feet in some cases, but towers around 10 feet in our North Carolina garden. Use it as a giant ornamental grass specimen, privacy screen, or to block out unwanted views. Its green foliage turns bronze-red in the fall and plumes can be used in cut flower arrangements. Grow Ravennae Grass in full sun. Taxonomists have shuffled this taxon around a bit, and it has moved from the familiar Saccharum genus to Ripidium.
Zone
5-9
Growth Cycle
Warm
Features
- Drought Tolerant
GROWER INFO & TIPS
- Growth rate: medium
- Grow in 1, 2 or 3 gallon containers
- Grow in well-drained soil
- Water needs: keep evenly moist; it is sensitive to too much water on roots
- Fertilizing: use a slow release, medium-rate fertilizer
- Possible pests: spidermites, aphids, mealybugs, fungus gnat larvae, Anthracnose (leaf spot)
- Overwintering: cold frame with clear poly; do not overwater
*Note: please adapt these suggestions as needed to accommodate your local conditions.
LANDSCAPING INFO
- A showy, large grass for cultivated gardens
- Can serve as an eye-catching anchor for a large border of screen planting
- Silver-pink inflorescences are outstanding for flower arrangements, especially when picked just before opening
