Overview
Erianthus ravennae is a grass in the genus Erianthus, part of the Poaceae family. Erianthus ravennae grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ornamental grass, screens and borders. It is native to Southern Europe, Western Asia and South Asia.
About the genus
Tripidium is a genus of flowering plant in the Poaceae family of plants. The genus is native to southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia with the native distribution of genus extending from the western parts of Mediterranean and Western Sahara, to the Korean peninsula and the island of New Guinea at the eastern-most extent of its distribution.
In the garden
Erianthus ravennae, commonly called Ravennagrass, is a grass species from Southern Europe, Western Asia and South Asia that is cultivated for structural planting and screening. As a full-sun plant it performs best in an open site with full exposure where it receives direct sunlight for most of the day. Plant into loamy or sandy soil that remains moist but drains freely; the species favours sites that do not stay waterlogged while still retaining some moisture. In the UK it carries an H5 rating, so it is regarded as hardy across much of the country without the need for winter protection. Use Ravennagrass as a single bold screen, planted in a linear run for privacy, or as upright elements within a mixed border where its form provides height and structure. Positioning in a sunny, well-drained location will help it establish as a long-term screen or border feature that fits coastal and inland plots alike.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Erianthus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loamy, sandy, well-drained
- Soil moisture
- Moist, well-drained
- Exposure
- Full exposure
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Erianthus ravennae size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental grass, screens, borders
- Native to
- Southern Europe, Western Asia, South Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Erianthus ravennae
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil; tolerant of drought once established
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring
- Propagation
- Division in spring
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Erianthus ravennae?
Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil; tolerant of drought once established.
Where is the best place to plant Erianthus ravennae?
Erianthus ravennae prefers full sun. It suits full exposure positions.
What soil does Erianthus ravennae need?
Erianthus ravennae is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loamy, sandy and well-drained. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Erianthus ravennae?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring.
Is Erianthus ravennae hardy in the UK?
Erianthus ravennae has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Erianthus ravennae?
Division in spring.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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