My New Fave Native - Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)

from High Country Gardens


Since Honeysuckle is the color of the Year I decided to share a pink blooming native grass with you.

Pink Muhly Grass!...it is a native 'fave rave' of mine (or, as I call it, a 'fave rave nave'.)
Muhlenbergia capillaris ' Lenca', known as 'Regal Mist' Pink Muhly Grass, is an extraordinary ornamental grass plant for many reasons: 

from Monrovia

  • Its flower heads appear in the fall as a frothy haze of deep pink.
  • It is low maintenance and virtually pest free.
  • It is deer resistant.
  • Its deep roots makes it a tough, drought tolerant plant suitable for erosion control on slopes and useful in xeriscapes (Although regular irrigation and fertilization will encourage the best bloom).
  • It grows quickly to three feet with narrow glossy green leaf blades.


It is not hardy in my area as its native range extends from the south Atlantic Coast down into Texas and Mexico (zones 7 -10). Some people in zone 6 can grow it but it is iffy, depending on the microclimate. I will grow it as an annual.

 'Regal Mist' is a spectacular haze of dusky pink when it blooms and looks amazing when placed against a dark backdrop of evergreen shrubs or a wall. 

Plant it in a group to to create a magnificent sweep on a hillside and enjoy the full effect of this grass swaying in the autumn wind.
Plant it by a pond, pool or other body of water.  

Pair Pink Muhly grass with other native plants like fall flowering asters.  In winter, the dried stems creates a soft silhouette in moonlight. A thoroughly enticing, tough but beautiful plant!



 Here is a great book on Grasses:



 
 
 
 

Comments

  1. Susan in the Pink HatJanuary 29, 2011 at 6:14 PM

    I prefer the white variety, personally.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jan JohnsenJanuary 29, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    that is interesting 'cos you wear a pink hat (smile)...

    ReplyDelete
  3. HazelJanuary 29, 2011 at 7:22 PM

    that is so wonderful...swathes of pink mist. I think grasses are sadly neglected in mad landscapes. But they have made a comeback in the last 10 years in Australia and you see them in roadside plantings and in public gardens now. Native grasses also provide important habitat.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AdminJanuary 30, 2011 at 3:18 AM

    Hi I am Nisrina I am From Indonesia
    Very Nice Blog please visit my blog

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousOctober 22, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    i just bought some
    Muhlenbergia capillaris Muhly Grass Seeds from ebay. hopefully it could grow in my country indonesia. Had planted more than 100 seeds... and will see how it goes... ***testing out in a tropical country*** email: monkforever@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete

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