Pink Muhly Grass - a Show Stopper

 
 
 
Pink Muhly Grass, Muhlenbergia capillaris, is a native 'fave rave' of mine.
 
You might say it is a 'fave rave nave'.
 
It is a show stopping plant in the fall with its giant puffs of cotton-candy-pink plumes. Whether in a hedge, border or patio container, this ornamental grass offers unbelievably profuse, feathery blooms amid 4 foot stems and a cascading habit. Give it plenty of sunshine and good soil drainage, and it will do the rest, beautifully withstanding heat, humidity, drought, and poor soil!
 
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 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.

photo from Baltimore Sun
 
 'Regal Mist' is a spectacular variety with a  haze of dusky pink when it blooms. It  looks amazing when placed against a dark backdrop of evergreen shrubs or a wall. 

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


Or plant it en masse in a sunny border with Knock Out Roses and geranium 'Rozanne'. wow!

You can also cut the flowers, dry them and enjoy them all winter indoors.

Pink Muhly Grass is a thoroughly enticing, tough and beautiful native plant. Plant some for a grand show in autumn.



 Here is a great book on Grasses:



 
 
 
 



 

Comments

  1. Cerberus German shepherdsMay 7, 2013 at 9:46 AM

    I, normally, hate grasses...irrationally so...but I do like this type of grass and have been eyeballing it a while.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jan JohnsenMay 7, 2013 at 2:46 PM

      its hard not to like this feathery pink dazzler....

      Delete
  2. DeniseMay 7, 2013 at 2:27 PM

    I love ornamental grasses and this is really delightful. Seems like I need to add it to my list of reasons to relocate to Texas.

    ReplyDelete
  3. christineMay 9, 2013 at 2:21 PM

    I wished I lived in a place like you do so that i could grow Pink Muhly Grass,but I don't so I will have to just enjoy your pictures.
    I really like your blogs
    Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jan JohnsenMay 9, 2013 at 3:18 PM

      I can relate...but northern gardens have great plants too! Lilacs, anyone?

      Delete
  4. Alex KrasovskisMay 10, 2013 at 6:35 PM

    I've recently started to appreciate ornamental grasses but this is the first time i've seen ones that are this pink. They look lovely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jan JohnsenMay 11, 2013 at 4:30 PM

      I think so too..who would have thought of pink grass?

      Delete

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