Erianthus ravennae

Erianthus ravennae: A Towering Plume with Prairie Grandeur

Striking and statuesque, Erianthus ravennae—also known as Hardy Pampas Grass—brings bold vertical drama to the garden with its silver-plumed flower spikes and fountain of fine green foliage. Rising to impressive heights in late summer, the silky flower heads shimmer in sunlight and remain attractive well into winter, offering movement and structure long after the blooms have faded. Its upright habit and graceful motion make it a commanding feature in open, sunny plantings.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 200–300 cm in bloom
• Spread: 120–150 cm, forming a large, upright clump
• Flower Colour: Silvery-white, aging to buff
• Flowering Period: Late summer into fall
• Foliage: Narrow, arching green blades; bronzing in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Erianthus ravennae adds architectural height and texture to large-scale borders, meadow plantings, and prairie-inspired designs. Its towering plumes make a bold focal point or backdrop, while its fine-textured foliage softens hard lines and brings graceful movement. This warm-season grass is deer resistant, drought tolerant, and exceptionally cold hardy—thriving where traditional pampas grasses cannot. It provides excellent wildlife value and a strong winter silhouette.

Companion Plants: Combine Erianthus ravennae with Echinacea 'Magnus' for bold rose-purple blooms, Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm' for golden contrast, and the upright purple spires of Liatris spicata to echo its vertical form. Together, they create a dynamic prairie composition with lasting colour and pollinator appeal.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season; once established, it is highly drought tolerant. Cut back foliage in early spring before new growth begins. Allow ample space for mature size, and use gloves when handling, as the leaf margins can be sharp.

History: Native to southern Europe and western Asia, Erianthus ravennae has earned a place in North American gardens for its hardiness, adaptability, and ornamental impact. Often used as a cold-hardy alternative to Cortaderia, it brings prairie-style grandeur with added resilience.

Final Thoughts: With its towering plumes and flowing foliage, Erianthus ravennae is a grass of bold proportions and enduring beauty. It captures light, wind, and the spirit of the open landscape—an unforgettable feature in the late-season garden.