Erianthus: The Majestic Giant of the Grass World

Erianthus, also known as Hardy Pampas Grass or Ravenna Grass, is a show-stopping ornamental grass that commands attention with its towering plumes and impressive stature. It brings a touch of drama and architectural elegance to gardens and landscapes, especially those in colder climates where true Pampas Grass struggles to thrive.

Erianthus is a warm-season, clump-forming perennial grass that forms massive clumps of upright, arching foliage. Its most striking feature is its enormous, feathery plumes that rise high above the foliage in late summer and persist through the fall and winter. These plumes, typically silvery-white with hints of purple, create a dramatic focal point in the landscape and add movement and texture, especially when backlit by the sun.

• Native Habitat: Erianthus is native to southern Europe and Asia, where it grows in moist meadows and along stream banks.
• Landscaping Design Tips: Erianthus is a statement plant best used as a specimen or focal point in large gardens and landscapes. It can create a dramatic backdrop for smaller plants or be used to screen unsightly areas. Its imposing size and architectural form make it well-suited for use in parks, golf courses, and along highways. Avoid planting it too close to structures as it can become quite large.
• Planting and Care: Erianthus prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional watering during dry periods. Plant it in a location with plenty of room to grow, as it can reach a substantial size. Cut back the plumes and foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
• Taxonomy: Erianthus belongs to the grass family Poaceae. The most commonly cultivated species is Erianthus ravennae.
• Morphology: Erianthus forms large clumps of arching, gray-green leaves that can reach 5-8 feet tall. The flower stalks, which can tower up to 12 feet tall, bear numerous plume-like panicles. The plumes are composed of many tiny flowers that are wind-pollinated.

Other Insights for Gardeners

• Cold Hardiness: Erianthus is more cold-hardy than true Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana), making it a suitable choice for colder climates.
• Wildlife: The plumes provide nesting material and shelter for some birds.
• Seasonal Interest: Erianthus offers year-round interest. The foliage provides a bold, green presence in the spring and summer, the plumes add dramatic beauty in late summer and fall, and the dried plumes persist through the winter, providing architectural interest.
• Propagation: Propagation is typically done by division in spring or by seed.

Special Qualities

• Dramatic Appearance: Erianthus' large size and feathery plumes make it a visually stunning plant.
• Architectural Interest: The tall plumes add a strong vertical element and architectural interest to the landscape.
• Cold Hardiness: Erianthus is more cold-hardy than true Pampas Grass, making it a suitable choice for colder climates.
• Year-Round Interest: The plant offers beauty and texture throughout the seasons.

Whether you are seeking a dramatic focal point, a way to add movement and texture to your garden, or a plant with year-round interest, Erianthus can be a striking choice. Its imposing size and architectural form make it a true standout in any landscape.