Species plume grass

plume grass

Saccharum ravennae

Also Known As - ravenna grass
Plume grass (Saccharum ravennae) is a virus-free ornamental grass. The striking foliage features 12-foot tall stems and arching blades growing in an array of colors like green and yellow. These blades also have finely-textured dark purple plumes or flower spikes that can reach 8-15 feet in height. It can thrive in a variety of soils, so long as the soil is kept moist. Plume grass can also be planted in containers or directly in the landscape, but should be pruned in the spring to encourage fresh growth. This striking specimen creates remarkable texture in the landscape and is a sure-fire way to make any garden stand out.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Purplish-bronze Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

red,brown Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Plume grass (Saccharum ravennae) likes moist but not soggy soil. It should be watered 1-2 times per week in summer months and slightly less (every 7-10 days) in winter months. To water plume grass, give it a deep, slow soaking to allow the water to properly saturate the soil and reach its root system. After watering, make sure the soil is allowed to dry before re-watering and avoid overwatering. When in doubt, it's always better to underwater than to overwater.

sunlight

Plume grass is an ornamental grass species that thrives best in full sun or partial shade. It should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. This can be achieved by situating it in a south-facing location or an area with no obstructions. Plume grass should be monitored throughout the seasons to ensure it is receiving enough but not too much sunlight. During summer, the plant should be exposed to the longest hours of direct sunlight and during winter, its exposure should be limited to just a few hours before being shaded to protect it from sunburn and dehydration.

pruning

Plume grass (Saccharum ravennae) should be pruned annually in early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning should be done before the grasses are taller than 2-3 feet. Pruning should include cutting the stems to a height of no more than 6-12 inches, and removing dead foliage. It is also important to thin out any overcrowded stems, as this will help promote healthy growth. Additionally, it is beneficial to remove any dead flower spikes to ensure that new growth will be encouraged. Pruning helps the plant keep its shape, while also promoting new growth and preventing overgrowth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Saccharum ravennae, or plume grass, typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Plume grass typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and June.

Starts Flowering

Plume grass typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and June.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Saccharum ravennae, or plume grass, typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map