Pink Muhly Grass
Muhlenbergia capillaris
Pink Muhly Grass, 1-gallon, ready to plant
- Pink plumes bloom from September through November, extending fall interest into early winter
- Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established, with excellent deer resistance
- Adapts to multiple soil types; reaches 2-3 ft wide and 3-4 ft tall in bloom
About this plant
Pink muhly grass is a warm-season ornamental grass that produces airy pink plumes in late summer through fall, adding seasonal color to the landscape. It thrives in full sun for best bloom intensity and adapts well to sand, loam, or clay soils. A popular choice for borders, xeriscape gardens, and naturalized meadows, it brings reliable color and high deer resistance.
This 1-gallon nursery plant arrives in a container and is ready to establish in your garden. Upon arrival, water thoroughly and plant in a location with good drainage. Regular watering for the first month helps the plant establish its root system; once settled, it tolerates drought well. Expect full mature foliage size within 2 to 3 years.
Pink Muhly Grass at a glance
| Botanical name | Muhlenbergia capillaris |
|---|---|
| Plant type | warm-season ornamental grass (herbaceous perennial) |
| USDA zones | 6-9 (some sources list 5b-10) |
| Mature height | 2-3 ft foliage clump, 3-4 ft including bloom plumes |
| Mature width | 2-3 ft |
| Sun | full sun to light/part shade; best bloom color in full sun |
| Water | low to moderate; regular watering to establish, drought-tolerant once established |
| Bloom time | late summer to fall, typically September-November (varies by region/latitude) |
| Bloom color | airy pink to reddish-pink plumes; some cultivars show purple or white |
| Growth rate | moderate, roughly 6-12 in of growth per year to reach mature size in 2-3 years |
| Deer resistance | good/high |
| Best planting time | spring or fall; container-grown plants can generally be planted anytime the ground is workable in its hardiness range |
Container sizes explained
| #1 / 1 Gallon | A trade one gallon pot (about 6.5 inches). One to two seasons older than a quart, with an established root system. |
|---|---|
| #2 / 2 Gallon | A trade two gallon pot. Common for peonies and perennials that need root room; usually blooms the first or second year. |
| #3 / 3 Gallon | A trade three gallon pot (about 10 inches). A well-developed shrub or small tree, often 2 to 4 feet tall on arrival. |
Questions before you buy
What size should I choose?
We offer this plant in 1-gallon nursery containers, which is an established size ready to plant directly in your garden. These mature to full size within 2-3 years, making them a practical choice for landscape projects.
When should I plant after arrival?
Plant as soon as possible after arrival. Pink muhly grass is best planted in spring or early fall to allow establishment before extreme heat or cold. Water thoroughly upon planting and maintain regular watering for the first month.
How large does pink muhly grass grow?
The foliage clump reaches 2-3 feet wide and 2-3 feet tall. With fall bloom plumes, the total height is 3-4 feet. Moderate growth of 6-12 inches per year means plants reach this mature size in 2-3 years.
How much sun does it need?
Pink muhly grass performs best in full sun, which produces the most vibrant bloom color. It tolerates light to part shade, though you may see reduced flowering and less intense coloration in shadier spots.
What hardiness zones does pink muhly grass grow in?
Pink muhly grass is rated for USDA zones 6-9. Some sources suggest hardiness extends to zone 5b or 10 depending on local microclimates. Check your zone before ordering to confirm it will survive winter.
What care does it need the first year?
Water regularly for the first month to establish a strong root system. Once established, reduce watering as it tolerates drought well; provide good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Expect modest growth the first year, with more vigorous expansion in years 2-3.