- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Height 9 - 12 Feet
- Width 6 - 8 Feet
- Growing Zones 5-9
Colder climates have a hard time growing true pampas grass (Cortaderia Selloana). Ravenna Grass or hardy pampas grass is the answer. Structurally this grass is very similar in size and shape with tall white wispy plumes, but it can handle negative degree weather, unlike its original counterpart. Ravenna Grass is in another genus and species altogether. Erianthus ravennae is a hardy perennial to zones 5 to 9. These are one of the tallest ornamental grasses on the market reaching 9 to 12 feet tall.
This grass is native to Southern Europe and North Africa. When planting, make sure to site this grass correctly because it can get very large. It works great functionally to screen eyesores or it has a more ornamental value when used as a mixed border or used in a dried flower arrangement. Be aware that in warmer southern zones 8 and above this grass self-seeds freely and has a tendency to be invasive. Ideally, Ravenna grass is geared more toward the more northern gardening zones where its growth is more in check.
Ravenna Grass Care
This grass thrives in full sun and has average soil and watering needs. Areas that have more moisture with periods of dryness are preferred. Err on the side of caution with fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can cause stems to flop over. Adding an annual topdressing of compost will do the trick. In early Spring, cut back dead foliage to 6 inches above the crown. A new flush of growth will arise from the thatch.
The most enjoyable part of this plant is when it has gone dormant in the Fall. All winter long dried golden brown plumes of grass wave in the wind. Think outside the box and recycle the dried grass stalks into free mulch for your vegetable garden when you clean up in the Spring.
Ravenna Grass Spacing
Ensure that this grass has room to grow. It is not only tall vertically, but it can reach 6 feet in diameter. The dense clumps of grass make for a phenomenal green wall. Space plants 72 to 96 inches apart in the landscape and enjoy!
Ravenna Grass Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9 |
Plant Type: Perennial Grass |
Sunlight Exposure: Full Sun |
Mature Height: 9 - 12 Feet |
Mature Width: 6 - 8 Feet |
Plant Spacing: 6 - 8 Feet |
Growth Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): White |
Seasonal Interest: Late Summer |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought |
Features: Cut Flowers, Deadheading Not Necessary, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance |
Uses: Border Plant Cut Flower Dried Flower Specimen or Focal Point |
Plant Brand: Proven Winners |
Botanical/Scientific Name: Erianthus ravennae |
- SKU:
- ERIRAQT
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.