James H. Schutte
Family
Poaceae
Botanical Name
Muhlenbergia capillaris
Plant Common Name
Pink Muhly Grass
General Description
The fluffy pink plumes of pink muhly grass are garden cotton candy for the eye. This clump-forming, warm season grass is native to the eastern United States, Mexico, and West Indies. In the wild, it can be found in open sites with sharply drained, sandy or gravelly soils. It is also common to prairies and coastal plains.
Through summer, this tidy grass produces clumps of fine-textured, deep green blades. Panicles of wispy pink, grassy flowers are produced in late summer to early fall. These are followed by light tan seedheads that are pretty and hold their appearance well until harsh winter winds and snows hit.
Pink muhly grass is a sun-lover that needs very little care once established. It tolerates a wide range of well-drain soil conditions from fertile to poor, moist to dry and acid to alkaline. Coastal populations are also highly adapted to salt spray and high winds. This grass is drought tolerant, but plants may remain smaller and less floriferous if water is too limited. The dried stems should be cut to the ground in late winter or early spring to make way for new growth.
Spectacular fall color makes pink muhly grass ideal for late-season perennial borders and coastal gardens. In winter, the dried stems cast a soft, subdued silhouette at dawn or dusk.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
12 - 3
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 10
-
Sunset Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
-
Plant Type
Grass
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
-
Height
2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m (3)
-
Width
1'-3' / 0.3m - 0.9m (3)
-
Bloom Time
Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
-
Native To
Northeastern United States, Southeastern United States, Central United States, South-Central United States, Mexico, Caribbean
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
-
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
-
Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
-
Tolerances
Salt
-
Growth Rate
Medium
-
Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
-
Habit
Clump-Forming
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Flower Color
Pink, Light Pink
-
Fruit Color
Tan
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green, Brown
-
Foliage Color (Winter)
Tan, Brown
-
Fragrant Flowers
No
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Repeat Bloomer
No
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
Yes
-
Foliage Texture
Fine
-
Foliage Sheen
Matte
-
Evergreen
No
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
-
Usage
Dried Flower / Everlasting, Container, Edging, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
No
-
Self-Sowing
Yes
