Ravenna Grass Tripidium ravennae

Sometimes called Hardy Pampas Grass, Ravenna Grass or Plume Grass has a majestic feathery look that adds drama to a garden. The rustling sound of the foliage when caressed by breezes can be quite calming.  It has one inch wide slightly pink leaves which at first turn silver, before becoming tinged with red in the fall. Large plumy inflorescence in late summer on stalks well above the foliage and are excellent in fresh or dried flower arrangements. Slight pink at first then becomes silver which becomes red tinged in fall. It remains attractive into winter.

This drought tolerant grass is best grown in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun as it will not thrive in moist and/or fertile soils where it usually needs support.   Its coarse to medium texture and an upright to open habit make it an excellent screen or specimen plant.  Cut it back to the ground in late winter to early spring as the center of the clump tends to die out.  It may self-seed under optimum growing conditions. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Leaves have sharp edges so wear gloves when handling this plant.  It can be quite aggressive and difficult to remove.