Description
Product Description
Muhlenbergia capillaris (Pink Muhly Grass) is a show-stopping warm-season native bunchgrass famed for its billowy, cotton-candy pink plumes in late summer to fall. Fine, blue-green foliage forms tidy clumps that explode into airy flower clouds, shimmering in low light and carrying interest well into winter as they fade to soft tan. Tough and drought-tolerant once established, Pink Muhly thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it a standout for mass plantings, curb strips, slopes, and low-maintenance borders.
Quick-Glance Specs
| Attribute | Details |
| Botanical Name | Muhlenbergia capillaris |
| Common Name | Pink Muhly Grass |
| Plant Type | Warm-season perennial bunchgrass |
| Native/Non-native | Native to eastern & southern North America |
| Hardiness Zone | 6–10 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (tolerates light shade; best bloom in sun) |
| Moisture | Dry to medium; requires well-drained soil |
| Mature Height | 18–24″ foliage; 30–42″+ in bloom |
| Mature Spread | 18–30″ clump |
| Growth Habit | Upright, clumping bunchgrass |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Fragrance | None |
| Bloom Time | Late summer to fall (airy pink panicles) |
| Seasonal Interest | Late summer–winter |
| Foliage & Features | Fine blue-green blades; billowy pink plumes; strong fall display |
| Landscape Features | Drought tolerance, erosion control, wildlife value |
| Landscape Uses | Massing, borders, meadows, slopes, streetscapes, gravel gardens |
| Soil | Lean to average, well-drained; avoid heavy, wet clay |
| Water Needs | Low after establishment |
| Maintenance | Low; cut back in late winter/early spring |
| Deer/Pest Resistance | Generally deer resistant; few serious pests |
| Container Friendly | Performs in sunny, well-drained containers |
| Recommended Spacing | 18–24″ (45–60 cm) for cohesive drifts |
Care & Growing Information
- Site & Light: Plant in full sun for the strongest color and densest blooms; light shade reduces flowering.
- Soil & Water: Prefers well-drained, lean soils (sandy/gravelly ideal). Water to establish; once established, it is drought tolerant. Avoid poorly drained sites—winter wet can cause crown rot.
- Planting: Set crowns level with soil; space 18–24″ for flowing masses and good airflow.
- Maintenance: Low-care. Leave plumes for winter interest; cut back to 4–6″ in late winter/early spring before new growth. Fertilize sparingly—excess fertility can cause flopping.
- Design Tips: Mass in sun-baked borders, gravel gardens, and slopes. Pairs beautifully with coneflowers, asters, prairie perennials, and other drought-tolerant natives.
Key Features
- Spectacular pink fall plumes that glow in evening light
- Drought-tolerant once established; thrives in lean soils
- Excellent for massing, slopes, and streetscapes
- Deer resistant with few pest issues
- Long seasonal interest—from bloom through winter
Problems
- Few serious issues. Can flop in shade or rich/wet soils. Crown rot possible in poorly drained winter soils—ensure drainage. Occasional tip browning in severe drought—deeply water during prolonged dry spells.
Uses in the Landscape
- Mass plantings for dramatic pink clouds in fall
- Gravel gardens and xeric borders
- Curb strips and streetscapes with reflected heat
- Slopes for light erosion control with ornamental appeal
- Accent or matrix grass in modern and naturalistic designs
Availability / Ordering
- Sizes Offered: #1 Gallon, 4″, DP-50 Plug, 50 and 72 Cell
- Recommended Spacing: 18–24″ for cohesive drifts and airflow.
Why You’ll Love It
- Effortless late-season drama with shimmering pink clouds
- Water-wise performance in hot, sunny sites
- Minimal care—cut back once a year and enjoy
Quick Highlights
A drought-tough native grass with airy, pink plumes—Pink Muhly Grass brings color, movement, and low-input elegance to sunny, well-drained landscapes.
