Ruby Grass Savannah | Melinis nerviglumis

Ruby Grass ‘Savannah’ (Melinis nerviglumis) is a beautiful ornamental grass grown for its soft, velvety rose-pink flower panicles that rise above fresh green foliage and move gracefully in the wind.

Reaching approximately 53 cm in height, ‘Savannah’ has an airy yet compact appearance that works beautifully in flower borders, mixed containers and naturalistic plantings. The long, delicate flower panicles add movement and texture without overwhelming neighbouring plants.

For flower growers and florists, ‘Savannah’ is particularly valuable because its beautiful plumes can be used as a fresh or dried cut flower. They add a soft, wispy texture to bouquets and arrangements and combine beautifully with both garden flowers and other ornamental grasses.

A warm-season grass, ‘Savannah’ loves warmth and sunshine and becomes increasingly drought tolerant once established.

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Melinis nerviglumis
• Variety: Savannah
• Common name: Ruby Grass
• Plant type: Warm-season ornamental grass
• Height: Approx. 53 cm
• Width: Approx. 30 cm
• Foliage colour: Green
• Plume colour: Rose-pink
• Position: Full sun to partial shade
• Crop time: Approx. 20–22 weeks
• Hardiness: Zones 9–10
• Seed form: Raw seed / BeGreen pelleted seed
• Use: Cut flower, dried flower, flower beds, borders, containers and naturalistic planting

Beautiful Velvety Rose-Pink Plumes

The main attraction of ‘Savannah’ is its abundance of dense, velvety rose-pink flower panicles.

The long panicles are carried on fine stems and move beautifully in even a light breeze, creating a soft and almost shimmering effect.

As the flowers mature, their colour and texture continue to add interest, making ‘Savannah’ particularly effective when planted among flowering annuals, perennials and other ornamental grasses.

Excellent Cut Flower

‘Savannah’ is not only a beautiful garden grass – it is also an excellent variety for cutting.

The fine rose-pink plumes add softness, movement and texture to floral designs without making arrangements feel heavy.

They are particularly beautiful in:

Garden-style bouquets • Wedding flowers • Naturalistic arrangements • Textural bouquets • Autumn arrangements • Dried flower designs

The soft pink tones combine beautifully with white, cream, blush, apricot, burgundy, lavender and deeper pink flowers.

Perfect for Drying

The flower panicles can also be dried for long-lasting arrangements.

For drying, harvest well-developed stems before they become overly mature. Remove unnecessary foliage and hang the stems upside down in a dry, dark and well-ventilated place.

Once dried, the delicate panicles retain their beautiful texture and can be used in bouquets, wreaths and seasonal arrangements.

Sowing & Germination

For the most reliable results, start ‘Savannah’ indoors in spring.

Sow 4–6 seeds per cell onto the surface of a fine, moist and well-drained seed-starting substrate.

The seeds do not require covering. Press them gently against the substrate to ensure good contact without burying them deeply.

Germination temperature: 20–22°C
Expected germination: Approx. 7–14 days

Keep the substrate evenly moist during the first stage of germination, but avoid waterlogging.

After germination, gradually allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings.

Growing the Seedlings

After the first roots emerge, temperatures can be reduced to approximately 18–20°C.

Provide good light and air circulation to encourage strong, compact plants.

Supplemental lighting is not essential during the young plant stage, although good natural light is beneficial.

No growth regulators are normally required.

Planting Outside

Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the weather has become reliably warm.

Choose a position in full sun for the strongest growth and best flowering. Light partial shade can also be tolerated, although flowering may be more abundant in sunny conditions.

Allow approximately 25–30 cm between plants to provide sufficient space and good air circulation.

Soil

‘Savannah’ grows well in an average, well-drained garden soil.

Good drainage is important, particularly during cooler periods. Avoid heavy soils where water remains around the roots for extended periods.

The plant does not require excessively rich soil to produce attractive growth.

Watering

Keep young plants regularly moist while they establish.

Once established, ‘Savannah’ becomes relatively drought tolerant and prefers moderate watering rather than constantly wet soil.

Allow the upper layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Plants grown in containers will generally require more frequent watering than those planted directly in the garden.

Feeding

Ruby Grass has relatively moderate nutritional requirements.

Use a balanced fertiliser at a light to moderate rate during active growth.

Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage overly soft vegetative growth rather than strong stems and abundant flower production.

Growing in Containers

With a height of approximately 53 cm and width of around 30 cm, ‘Savannah’ is an excellent ornamental grass for mixed containers and larger pots.

Its fine green foliage provides structure at the base of the planting, while the rose-pink panicles rise above neighbouring flowers and move gracefully in the wind.

It combines beautifully with trailing plants, flowering annuals and other textural foliage.

Beautiful in Naturalistic Plantings

‘Savannah’ is especially effective in naturalistic, meadow-inspired and prairie-style plantings.

Its airy flowers soften the appearance of stronger architectural plants and help connect different colours and flower forms throughout a planting.

For greater impact, plant several ‘Savannah’ together so that the rose-pink panicles create a soft cloud of colour and movement.

Warm-Season Grass

Melinis nerviglumis is a warm-season grass and performs best when temperatures are warm and light levels are high.

In climates with cold winters, it is generally grown as an annual or seasonal ornamental grass, as its hardiness is approximately zones 9–10.

It should therefore not be considered reliably winter hardy in colder European climates.

Long Season of Interest

‘Savannah’ develops its most beautiful display from summer into autumn, when the numerous rose-pink panicles rise above the foliage.

The flowers continue to provide texture as they mature, and stems can also be harvested for drying, extending their decorative value well beyond the growing season.

Why Grow Ruby Grass ‘Savannah’?

Velvety rose-pink plumes • Beautiful movement in the wind • Excellent fresh cut flower • Excellent for drying • Compact growth • Approx. 53 cm tall • Drought tolerant once established • Beautiful in containers • Ideal for naturalistic planting • Excellent texture for bouquets and floral design

Perfect For

Cut Flowers • Dried Flowers • Bouquets • Borders • Flower Beds • Mixed Containers • Naturalistic Gardens • Prairie-Style Plantings • Landscape Planting

Ruby Grass ‘Savannah’ (Melinis nerviglumis) is an exceptional ornamental grass for anyone looking for soft rose-pink colour, delicate texture and graceful movement in the garden or floral arrangements. Its beautiful velvety plumes make it equally valuable for gardeners, cut-flower growers and florists.