How to Grow Ravenna Grass
iNaturalist
Ravenna Grass
Erianthus ravennae
grassRavenna Grass is a tall, ornamental grass known for its striking silvery-white plumes that resemble pampas grass but with a more refined appearance. This clumping perennial grass grows 8-12 feet tall and creates dramatic focal points in landscapes with its feathery seed heads that appear in late summer and persist through winter. It provides year-round visual interest and movement while being relatively low-maintenance once established.
When should you plant Ravenna Grass in your zone?
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Example Ravenna Grass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ravenna Grass
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Ravenna Grass
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ravenna Grass dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-10, with best performance in zones 7-9
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Get my Ravenna Grass timeline →Growth Stages
Vegetative Growth
Spring to mid-summer (3-4 months)Foliage emerges and expands; grass forms a dense clump of long, thin green leaves
Water during drought; avoid fertilizing, as high nitrogen promotes weak growth; thin out any dead foliage from previous year
Inflorescence Development
Late summer to early fall (4-6 weeks)Tall flower stems emerge above foliage, bearing elongated, silvery seed heads
Do not cut or deadhead; allow plumes to fully develop for best ornamental effect; stake if in windy location
Seed Head Maturation
Fall through winter (3-5 months)Plumes transition from pink-tan to silvery-white and become fully plumed, creating dramatic visual effect
Leave plumes on plant throughout fall and winter for maximum landscape impact; monitor for wind damage in exposed sites
Dormancy & Renewal
Late winter to early spring (1-2 months)Foliage browns and dies back; plant remains dormant underground with roots intact
In early spring, cut back dead foliage to 4-6 inches above ground before new growth emerges; dispose of clippings to prevent pests
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap in severe infestations; improve air circulation
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Usually not damaging; remove by hand if isolated; apply neem oil if population is high
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Remove infected foliage; improve drainage and air circulation; avoid overhead watering; cut back dead growth promptly
Uses
Specimen Plants & Screens
LandscapeRavenna Grass serves as a dramatic vertical focal point in gardens and can be massed to create natural screens or windbreaks. Its height and movement make it ideal for creating visual divisions in large landscapes. [source]
Dried Floral Arrangements
CraftThe silvery plumes make excellent long-lasting additions to dried flower arrangements and can be preserved for years. Cut stems in fall when plumes are fully developed and store in a dry location. [source]
Winter Garden Interest
HouseholdProvides exceptional ornamental value throughout fall and winter months when most other plants are dormant. The frosted plumes catch light beautifully and add texture to the winter landscape. [source]
Habitat & Seed Source
WildlifeRavenna Grass provides shelter for birds and beneficial insects, and the seeds feed migrating songbirds in fall and winter. The dense clump also creates nesting habitat for ground-nesting birds. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not harvested for edible or medicinal use. Ornamental seed heads can be cut and dried for floral arrangements once fully mature (typically mid to late fall); cut stems at base with sharp pruners.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ravenna Grass can grow extremely tall—sometimes reaching 12 feet with plumes extending even higher in ideal conditions, rivaling pampas grass in height but with more delicate appearance.
- 🌱 The plant is native to South Africa and has become naturalized in Mediterranean climates worldwide, sometimes considered invasive in warm regions.
- 🌱 The silvery-white plumes that make Ravenna Grass so ornamental are actually seed heads; each plume contains thousands of tiny seeds with silken hairs that aid in wind dispersal.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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