Saccharum ravennae

Ravenna grass

Introduced into the USA from south-east Asia, this grass is a noxious weed in the warmer southern states but thankfully the UK climate holds it very much in check. 

It requires very low soil fertility to grow well and never achieves the massive bulk that warmer climes deliver.  Here the growth is relatively slow with very low seed set.  

It makes an excellent focal point on dry, sunny banks or in borders with very poor soil. Too much goodness will make it flop over and it will decline from then on.  

If Pampas grass fills you with dread then this makes a good substitute as it grows up to two metres high and a metre wide but this will take a little time.  

The leaves are long, mid green with a white central stripe. The flower plumes are long, large and feathery turning lovely shades of rust in autumn. 

Generally trouble free. Deciduous so cut down in February or March.

Photo: Blackstem Plants

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£ 8.50