Northern Pampas Grass

Tripidium ravennae

Nature Hills Nursery

$58⁷⁷

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Plant Size

#3 Container

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This ornamental grass thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. While it can tolerate partial shade, you will notice weaker stems and less impressive plumes if it does not get enough brightness.
Soil: It prefers well drained soil and is not picky about pH levels. If you have heavy clay that stays soggy, plant it in a raised mound or add organic compost to improve drainage, as "wet feet" during winter can cause the roots to rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Northern Pampas Grass twice a week to help the deep root system establish itself. Once mature, this grass is exceptionally drought tolerant and typically relies on natural rainfall. If you experience a severe dry spell, provide a deep soak at the base to prevent the lower blades from turning brown and crispy.

Pruning Tips

Northern Pampas Grass should be cut back in late winter or very early spring before new green shoots appear. Use sturdy shears to trim the entire clump down to about 6 inches above the ground, which acts like a fresh start for the season. This removal of old growth is essential because it allows sunlight and air to reach the crown, ensuring vigorous new stems and vibrant plumes.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer once in early spring as the grass begins to wake up. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages soft, lush growth that is easily damaged by the first frost. A single application in the spring provides all the energy needed for those towering flower spikes to reach their full height.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6	Week of March 2nd
Zone 7	Week of February 23rd
Zone 8-12	Week of February 15th

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Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
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$199+	FREE

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Towering Ravennae Grass For Dramatic Height

Soaring Ravennae Grass (Tripidium ravennae) is a statuesque, show-stopping ornamental grass with silvery plumes and sword-like gray-green foliage! Also called Hardy Pampas Grass or Erianthus, this fast-growing perennial grass sends up 12-foot flower stalks in late summer, topped with silvery-purple plumes that fade to tan, waving elegantly into winter.

Ravennae Grass is not considered invasive in most regions! It forms tidy clumps rather than spreading aggressively by rhizomes like true Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana). However, it can self-seed in some areas with disturbed soil or unmanaged sites, so deadheading spent plumes before they disperse is a smart garden practice if you're concerned about reseeding. It is not listed as invasive by the USDA or most state-level invasive species councils. Nature Hills utilizes Plant Sentry™ to ensure we remain compliant with all state agricultural regulations.

This warm-season grass grows in tall, upright clumps up to 9-12 feet tall when in bloom and spreads 6-8 feet wide. The stiff, arching foliage emerges green and matures to a blue-gray tone that turns golden-tan in fall. In late summer to early fall, towering flower stalks shoot skyward, each topped with showy, feathery plumes. These persist through winter, catching frost and snow, adding stunning texture and movement to your landscape even in the off-season.

Key Features

Once used for weaving and thatching, this grass has found favor as a landscaping marvel for its structure and resilience. A relative of Sugarcane and other tall grasses, it’s ideal for northern gardeners who want tropical vibes without tropical climate needs.

Giant ornamental grass with upright 9-12 foot plumes
Gray-green foliage turns golden in fall
Cold-hardy alternative to Pampas Grass
Drought and heat-tolerant once established
Pest and deer resistant
Zones 5-9

Landscaping Uses

Ravennae Grass brings drama, height, and movement to the garden with its enormous height and feathery texture. With its fountain-like form, upright habit, and autumn interest, it’s the perfect choice for bold garden accents, windbreaks, and screening. Read more about landscaping with this perennial grass.

Use as a living privacy hedge or windbreak
Anchor the back of large perennial borders
Add drama to a xeriscape, Rock Garden, or waterwise garden
Great for mass plantings
Striking vertical contrast for foundation plantings or fence lines
Seasonal privacy screens and property definition
Adds motion to the landscape or fall sensory garden

Care & Maintenance

Native to southern Europe and western Asia, Ravennae Grass is a hardy alternative to Pampas Grass for colder zones. This herbaceous perennial is a rugged, heat-loving, cold-hardy grass that thrives in full sun and a wide range of soils. It's deer resistant, heat-tolerant, drought-tolerant once established, and thrives in USDA growing zones 5 through 9.

Planting Time: Spring or early fall. Read how to plant it here!
Sun Requirements: Full sun is best
Soil Requirements: Adaptable to most soils, including clay and sandy sites, but prefers well-drained soil
Moisture Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established (use the Finger Test to check soil moisture)
Arborist Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch deep layer of arborist mulch around the base
Fertilization Needs: Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring; compost improves vigor
Ornamental Grass Pruning Info: Cut back to 6-12 inches in late winter before new growth emerges. Rake out the interior of debris.
Division Info: Divide clumps in early spring every 3-5 years to rejuvenate and control spread
Special Perks/Growing Tips:

Cold-hardy and heat-tolerant
Resists pests and deer
Tolerates clay, urban pollution, and road salt

Reach New Heights with Ravennae Grass

If your garden needs instant height and a bold vertical punch, Ravennae Grass is your go-to. With its waving plumes and tough-as-nails attitude, it's as eye-catching as it is adaptable. Order your Ravennae Grass now and start sculpting your garden with sky-high structure from naturehills.com!

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Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

How tall does Ravennae Grass grow?

Ravennae Grass reaches 9-12 feet tall in bloom and spreads 6-8 feet wide in an upright, fountain-like clump.

Is Ravennae Grass invasive?

No, it is a clump-forming, non-invasive ornamental grass. While it can self-seed, it does not spread aggressively like Pampas Grass.

What is Ravennae Grass used for in landscaping?

It’s perfect for privacy screening, windbreaks, large borders, focal points, and waterwise landscaping designs.

Does Ravennae Grass need full sun?

Yes, plant it in full sun for the strongest vertical growth and best flowering performance.

How do you prune Ravennae Grass?

Cut it back to 6-12 inches in late winter or very early spring before new shoots appear.

Why Order From Nature Hills Nursery?

Nature Hills Nursery is committed to bringing the highest-quality plants to your door. Join thousands of happy customers and get all your planting needs at Nature Hills! We guarantee our plants for their first year! Check out lifelong support and landscaping ideas in our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog!

Erianthus Ravennae

Erianthus Ravennae - I want to know if the massive grass should be cut back or just let is be from season to season? Answer from Nature Hills: This grass has great winter interest, but you do need to cut it back in late winter or early spring. The canes can be hard to cut; sometimes we even use a chain saw.

Dear Kristine,

Thank you so much for reaching out with your question about your Northern Pampas Grass (Erianthus Ravennae)! We truly appreciate you taking the time to learn more about caring for this striking, aggressive grass. You’re right to wonder about managing its appearance through the seasons.

As you mentioned, the substantial winter interest of this grass is wonderful to enjoy during the colder months. However, to keep your plant healthy and promote vibrant growth in spring, it’s best to cut back the canes in late winter or early spring before new shoots emerge. Since the stalks can be quite tough, tools like heavy-duty pruning shears or even a chainsaw (especially for larger clumps) can make this task much easier and safer. Just be sure to wear gloves and eye protection for safety.

If you’re interested, we also suggest mulching around the base after trimming to conserve moisture and insulate any roots during variable spring weather. This can help encourage fresh growth as the season progresses.

Feel free to check out our plant care blog for seasonal tips and advice—they’re filled with great resources for nurturing your Northern Pampas Grass and other garden beauties year-round!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Great Backdrop

bought from a local nursery last year, doing well at 6 ft tall in late August

Hi Lll,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Northern Pampas Grass! It's wonderful to hear that your plant is doing so well and has reached such a lovely height. Pampas grass truly makes a stunning backdrop with its flowing plumes and graceful presence.

If you ever want to keep your pampas bushy and healthy, a tip is to prune it back mid-winter before new growth starts in spring. Also, they prefer full sun and well-drained soil, so your local nursery choice was spot on! Should you be interested in adding more complementary plants that thrive alongside pampas grass, we’d be happy to share ideas.

Wishing you continued joy with your garden’s beautiful growth!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Tough grass

This is one tough plant. My Northern Pampas can survive and actually thrive in a low, wet area I have. Very few plants I have tried have done anything but die in that spot.

Hello Hank,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Northern Pampas Grass! We're thrilled to hear that this tough plant has found a thriving home in a challenging low, wet area of your garden. Pampas Grass is known for its resilience, and your success here really highlights that strength.

If you’d like to keep your grass looking its best, remember that it enjoys well-draining soil when possible and occasional pruning in late winter to early spring can help promote healthy new growth. Since it’s thriving where others have not, you might also consider complementing it with other moisture-tolerant plants for increased texture and interest in the area. We have some planting guides on our website if you’d like some inspiration.

Thanks again for letting us know about your chica’s robust spirit!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Tough grass

This is one tough plant. My Northern Pampas can survive and actually thrive in a low, wet area I have. Very few plants I have tried have done anything but die in that spot.

Hi Hank,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Northern Pampas Grass! It’s wonderful to hear how tough and resilient your plant is, especially thriving in a low, wet area where many others struggle. Northern Pampas Grass is definitely known for its adaptability and durability in varying conditions, so it sounds like you’ve chosen a fantastic spot for it to really shine.

If you continue to enjoy the growth of your pampas grass, consider occasional light pruning in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh, vibrant foliage. You might also want to monitor drainage just a bit since, while it tolerates moisture well, stgy powder adjusting for extremely soggy soils can help ensure long-term health.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about its care or want tips for pairing it with companion plants that share its love for moist conditions.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

sharing success and care tips

This grass is stunning and has done exceptionally well in my garden combined with other ornamental grasses, peonies, iris' and a flame spirea. grows to 12+ feet. Looks great through the winter.Once established I only mulch and compost bi -annually, burn each spring (maintains hardiness, feeds the plant and increases foliage) and give it lots of water until the end of june (either naturally or via hose).I'm on a hillside with a constant prevailing wind and need to stake and tie it to keep the stalks from blowing over and it works fine.It's one of the anchor pieces of my xeriscape "yarden".

Dear Rhycesaroni,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful success and care tips for your Northern Pampas Grass! It’s truly inspiring to hear how beautifully it’s thriving alongside your peonies, iris, flame spirea, and other ornamental grasses. Your mattress-loving “yarden” sounds like such a thoughtful, well-established haven for xeriscaping.

We appreciate you mentioning your approach to mulching, composting, and especially the spring burn to keep the plant vigorous—that’s fantastic advice for maximizing hardiness and foliage growth. Staking for wind protection on your hillside also shows excellent attentiveness to your plant’s needs, and sharing such practical tips encourages other plant lovers to succeed as well.

If you’re interested, you might also find value in our resources on erosion control for hillside gardens and drought management to further protect your xeriscape. Feel free to reach out anytime with questions or if you want suggestions on companion plants that compliment your design.

Thank you again for taking the time to share your knowledgeable experience—it adds so much to our community here!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Northern Pampas Grass