Ernst Benary® Inc.
Family
Poaceae
Botanical Name
Melinis nerviglumis 'Savannah'
Plant Common Name
Ruby Grass, Zizka
General Description
Savannah ruby grass is loved for the mauve-pink seed heads that weep above the thin, curling, pale blue-green leaves. It is a tufted, cold-tender perennial grass native to Madagascar and the grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. In summer it produces shiny, wine-colored inflorescences (clusters of flowers along the stem tip) that fade slowly to pink and then finally to ivory as they mature. The leaves are blade-like, bluish gray-green, and gracefully curled. Small birds will eat the seeds.
'Savannah' is best situated in a full sun location with sandy to average well-drained soils that are moist to slightly dry. This grass is easy to care for and makes makes a wonderful low- maintenance, edging or bedding plant when grouped in large swathes. It also grows well as a bedding annual, or a container. In cold climates, the clump can be dug up, potted and brought indoors to overwinter, or seeds may germinated indoors and planted outdoors after the spring frosts. It will in summer into early autumn. Ruby grass's inflorescences can be used in floral arrangements, both fresh and dried.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 8
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 11
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Sunset Zone
8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Grass
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
12"-24" / 30.5cm - 61.0cm (18)
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Width
12"-24" / 30.5cm - 61.0cm (20)
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
Africa, Middle Africa, Southern Africa, Madagascar
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Cutflower, Edging, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
Yes
