Northern Pampas Grass

Tripidium ravennae

$48⁰⁰

In Stock
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Plant Size

#3 Container

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Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Plant Highlights

Northern Pampas Grass highlights at a glance!

Brand

Nature Hills' Choice
Botanical Name

Tripidium ravennae
Characteristics
- Drought resistant
- Fast-growing
- Fragrant
- Attracts pollinators
- Cold hardy
- Flowering
Suitable Space
- Outdoors
Growing Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Mature Height

8 - 12 feet
Mature Spread

6 - 8 Feet
Sun Exposure

Full Sun
Moisture

Low Once Established
Soil

Well Drained Soil
Growth Rate

Medium
Flower Color
- White
- Purple
Fall Color

Bronze, Burgundy
Pollinator Required

No
Bloom Period

Fall

Growing Zones 5-9

Find Your Growing Zone!

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.

>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions

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!

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

Leaf it or Cut it

This grass is nice and hearty as I have five large bushes where I just moved to in Ohio.I just dont know if I should cut them off for the winter to prevent a mess next spring. I seen the same grass at a business who has a landscaping crew and they cut it back to about 12" above the ground but Im not sure if this is required or not?

Hello Johnny,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Northern Pampas Grass! It’s wonderful to hear that your hearty grasses are settling in well at your new Ohio home. Pampas grass is indeed quite resilient, and many gardeners wonder about the best way to handle the foliage in winter.

Cutting your pampas grass back to about 12 inches in late winter or early spring—as you observed at the business with a landscaping crew—is actually a great practice. This helps clear out the old, dead foliage and makes way for fresh, vibrant growth when the growing season kicks off. You can wait until early spring, just before new growth begins. Cutting too early in winter may leave your grasses more vulnerable to frost damage.

If you’d prefer to maintain the ornamental effect during winter months, you can choose to simply leave the plumes intact—they remain quite attractive—and prune afterward. Cleaning up the base in spring makes the garden look tidier and helps reduce pest issues.

Should you need step-by-step tips or tools tips for pruning your pampas grass, let us know! We’d be happy to help with tailored guidance.

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

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Northern Pampas Grass

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