Gardening Flowers Perennials Ravenna Grass By Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln Instagram Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on November 20, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Ravenna Grass, Plume Grass Overview Description Big and bold ravenna grass, also known as plume grass, has arching green foliage stalks that are 4 to 5 feet tall and flower stalks expanding to reach 8 to 12 feet tall. Ravenna grass can be employed throughout the landscape as a living screen or focal point. Be sure to select a planting site that will support the mature size of this large grass. Ravenna grass should be used with caution as it has shown invasive tendencies in warm climates. Genus Name Saccharum ravennae Common Name Ravenna Grass, Plume Grass Plant Type Perennial Light Sun Height 3 to 8 feet Width 3 to 6 feet Flower Color White Foliage Color Blue/Green Season Features Colorful Fall Foliage, Summer Bloom, Winter Interest Special Features Cut Flowers, Low Maintenance Zones 10, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Propagation Division, Seed Problem Solvers Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Good For Privacy Garden Plans For Ravenna Grass What to Plant With Ravenna Grass A low-maintenance plant with a prominent landscape presence, ravenna grass is an easy-care choice. Pair it with other easy-to-grow plants for a landscape that is brimming with color and texture year-round but demands little in the way of upkeep. Great planting partners include barberry and elderberry shrubs. Easy-care perennial companions include tickseed, aster, and coneflower. Growing Ravenna Grass Ravenna grass grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It tolerates a variety of soil conditions and grows well in loose soil that has moderate fertility. Avoid planting it in rich, fertile soil as it has a tendency to develop weak stems and flop over in these conditions. Also, there is no need to fertilize ravenna grass. Once established, ravenna grass tolerates moderate drought. Plant ravenna grass in spring or early summer. Water plants deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Once the plant is established, reduce watering. Count on ravenna grass to bloom in late summer. Harvest the flowers when they are fresh or after they dry on the plant for use in floral arrangements. Take advantage of the striking winter appearance of ravenna grass by allowing the plant to stand through winter. Its plumes will add texture and movement to the winter landscape. In early spring, cut back the entire plant to ground level. Hedge shears or loppers are useful for cutting the thick stems. Plant Ravenna Grass With: Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit