Muhlenbergia capillaris

Description

Muhlenbergia capillaris – pink muhly grass

Botanical name: Muhlenbergia capillaris
Common names: Pink muhly grass, hairawn muhly
Family: Poaceae (grass family)
Plant type: Deciduous perennial grass
Habit: Clump-forming, arching
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 60–90cm tall × 60cm spread
Foliage: Fine, narrow, arching green foliage; deciduous
Flowers: Spectacular airy clouds of pink to red-purple flowers in autumn, held above the foliage (September–October)
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained; poor to average; drought-tolerant; dislikes wet; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H5 (hardy, to about −15°C) in sharply drained soil; USDA zones 6–9
Exposure: Open, hot, dry, sunny
Native range: Species native to North America
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Muhlenbergia capillaris, pink muhly grass, produces spectacular airy clouds of pink to red-purple flowers in autumn above fine green foliage. A breathtaking sight in hot, sunny, well-drained borders and gravel.

GardenAdvice notes

Grown for one of the most spectacular displays of any ornamental grass, pink muhly grass erupts in autumn into vast, diaphanous clouds of pink to red-purple flowers that seem to float above the fine green foliage. A sun-lover from North America, it needs heat, full sun and sharp drainage to perform, and rewards with an unforgettable, almost surreal, autumn haze.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring in well-drained soil in full sun — it needs heat, sun and sharp drainage to flower well, and resents cold, wet conditions. It is drought-tolerant once established and ideal for hot, sunny borders, gravel gardens and mass plantings. Space about 60cm apart. In cold or wet gardens, the sharpest drainage and warmest spot are essential.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Enjoy the flower clouds through autumn and leave them standing for winter, then cut the plant back in late winter or early spring before new growth. Water while establishing, after which it is drought-tolerant. Avoid rich, wet soil, which spoils flowering and reduces hardiness.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide established clumps in spring, as growth begins.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. Its main limitations are cold and wet, which reduce flowering and hardiness, so full sun and sharp drainage are essential. Otherwise little troubled by pests.

Uses in the garden

Spectacular in hot, sunny borders, gravel and prairie-style plantings, and especially in bold groups or drifts, where the pink autumn cloud is at its most breathtaking.

Wildlife value

The airy seedheads provide food for birds, and the plant offers structure and shelter in naturalistic plantings.

Toxicity & safety

Pink muhly grass is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

Pink muhly grass gives one of the most jaw-dropping autumn displays of any plant — a floating pink cloud — but it absolutely must have full sun, heat and sharp drainage to deliver it, so give it your hottest, sunniest, best-drained spot and plant it in a bold group for maximum impact. In a cold, wet garden it can disappoint, so drainage really is everything.

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