Plume Grass (Erianthus ravennae) - If you want a giant ornamental grass, start Plume Grass seeds, and enjoy the beautiful display of this large grass. Also known as Ravenna Grass and Hardy Pampas Grass, it is one of the tallest ornamental grasses that is hardy above Zone 6, and it is readily used as a substitute for pampas grass in the northern regions. A synonymous botanical name is Saccharum ravennae. The arching gray-green leaves reach a height of about 5 feet, but in late summer the feather-duster-like plumes can reach well over 6 feet in height. These cream colored plumes are good for cutting and can be used in fresh or dried arrangements. In autumn the foliage and stems turn from pale green to varying shades of bronze and red and the interest continues into the winter especially when covered with snow.

How To Grow Plume Grass From Ornamental Grass Seeds: Hardy Pampas grass seeds can be started indoors. Using a seed starting tray filled with a pre-moistened seed starting medium that drains well, place the ornamental grass seeds on top of the soil and gently press the seeds in. Keep the Ravenna Grass seeds moist until germination occurs. Plant Erianthus ravennae Plume Grass out after danger of frost has passed in the spring. The grass is hardy and can tolerate a wide variety of soils, but it does best in well-drained soils with a neutral pH.