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ornamental grass

Hardy Pampass Grass

Erianthus ravennae

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Hardy Pampass Grass (Erianthus ravennae) at Iowa City Landscaping

Hardy Pampass Grass

Hardy Pampass Grass

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Hardy Pampass Grass (Erianthus ravennae) at Iowa City Landscaping

Hardy Pampass Grass foliage

Hardy Pampass Grass foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Hardy Pampass Grass (Erianthus ravennae) at Iowa City Landscaping

Hardy Pampass Grass fruit

Hardy Pampass Grass fruit

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Plant Height:  5 feet

Flower Height:  12 feet

Spread:  8 feet

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  4

Other Names:  Ravenna Grass; Plume Grass

Description:

A giant of the ornamental grass world and hardy for northern areas; spikes of silvery flower plumes with a hint of purple reach skyward in late summer; spectacular fall display of orange, tan, purple, and the dried stalks add lovely winter interest

Ornamental Features

Hardy Pampass Grass features airy plumes of silver hop-like flowers with a purple flare at the ends of the stems in late summer. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its attractive grassy leaves are grayish green in color. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous harvest gold in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Hardy Pampass Grass is a dense herbaceous perennial grass with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Hardy Pampass Grass is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Mass Planting
  • Hedges/Screening
  • General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Hardy Pampass Grass will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity extending to 12 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 8 feet. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of North America. It can be propagated by division.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Accent  Massing  Screening  Garden 
Applications
Flowers  Foliage Color  Fall Color  Texture  Plant Form  Winter Value  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features