John Rickard
Family
Poaceae
Botanical Name
Muhlenbergia capillaris 'Regal Mist'
Plant Common Name
Pink Muhly Grass, Texas Muhly Grass
General Description
Pink muhly grass is a clumping, warm season perennial native to the eastern United States, Mexico, and the West Indies. This selection, ‘Regal Mist,’ has long, narrow blades and tall, stiff flower stems that produce a cloud of deep, rosy-pink bloom in the late summer.
Muhly grass needs very little care, and tolerates a wide range of conditions, from wet to dry sites, acidic to alkaline soil, salt spray, and poor soil conditions. It is drought tolerant, but limiting water can also limit the mature vigor and size of the plant. The spectacular fall color makes 'Regal Mist' a great accent in a mixed border, especially when paired with fall flowering asters. In winter, the dried stems cast a soft mystical silhouette in moonlight or at dawn or dusk. Cut off dried stems low to the ground in late winter.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 3
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 10
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Sunset Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 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
2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m (3)
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Width
1'-3' / 0.3m - 0.9m (3)
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Bloom Time
Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
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Native To
Northeastern United States, Southeastern United States, South-Central United States, Mexico, Caribbean
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Wet Site, Drought, Salt, Soil Compaction
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Pink, Rose
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Fruit Color
Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Brown
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Tan, Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bog Garden, Container, Feature Plant, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
Yes