Pink muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is a southeastern native grass that gives an outstanding performance throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 and higher. It has spiky green foliage, topped with airy pink flowers in fall. Recommended by the California PlantRight program as an alternative to invasive grasses, such as pampas grass (Cortaderia spp.), pinky muhly grass is easy to establish and care for.
Get your muhly grass off to a good start by choosing the right environment. Pink muhly is a sun-loving plant that will grow about 3 feet wide and 4 feet tall, or up to 5 to 6 feet when in bloom. It will thrive in almost any soil, although it prefers a neutral pH. Planting in spring will assure establishment of the grass by bloom time and before colder winter weather. Massing the plants makes an impressive display; space them 2 or 3 feet apart.
Keep watered after transplanting, but plants are drought-tolerant once established. Typically pest- and disease-free, pink muhly grass requires little routine care.
Pink muhly grass, like most ornamental grasses, looks best if cut back after flowering. As the pink color of the blooms fades, the grass will still look good throughout the winter. Cutting back to a few inches in spring before new growth begins will keep muhly grass looking best. Plants typically don't need dividing, but you can divide them in spring if desired. Regular fertilizing is usually unnecessary; use a balanced fertilizer in spring if your muhly grass doesn't show vigorous growth.
To add more variety to your pink muhly grass planting, consider including named varieties, such as "Lenca," with darker pink flowers. If you prefer a more neutral look, "White Cloud" sports white flowers. A different flower form for muhly grass is available in the hybrid "Pink Flamingos," which is thought to be a Muhlenbergia capillaris Muhlenbergia lindheimeri cross. "Pink Flamingos" has plump flower plumes rather than the delicate look of the species pink muhly.
- University of California: Marin Master Gardeners: Plant Guide
- California Agriculture; Safe Alternatives to Replace Invasives in California Gardens; Janet Byron
- University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture: October 2011 Plant of the Month -- Purple (or Pink) Muhly Grass, Muhlenbergia Capillaris
- University of Illinois Extension: Care & Maintenance of Ornamental Grasses: Fertilizer
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