Autumn Glow

Plant Type: evergreen to semi-evergreen ornamental grass
Plant Height: 4–5 feet (foliage); up to 6 feet with bloom plumes
Spread: 3–4 feet
Flower Color: golden-tan aging to light bronze
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Autumn Glow (Muhlenbergia lindheimeri ‘Autumn Glow’): Tall, Glowing Plumes for Seasonal Impact

Autumn Glow is a stately ornamental grass with fine, arching blue-green foliage and tall golden-bronze flower plumes that appear in late summer and fall. Its upright habit, graceful movement, and seasonal color make it an excellent choice for adding height and texture to water-wise Arizona landscapes.

Key Features of Autumn Glow

• Striking Fall Color: Golden-tan plumes emerge in late summer, catching the sunlight and aging to a warm bronze.
• Tall, Upright Habit: Forms large, graceful clumps for strong vertical presence.
• Drought Tolerant: Performs well in low-water gardens once established.
• Low Maintenance: Resistant to pests and diseases, requiring minimal upkeep.

Growing and Care Tips

Autumn Glow thrives in hot, sunny locations and handles a variety of well-draining soils.

Soil: Prefers sandy or loamy, well-draining soils; amend heavy clay for better drainage.
Water: Moderate during establishment; once mature, water deeply every 3–4 weeks in summer.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote robust growth.
Pruning: Cut back to 8–12 inches in late winter to encourage new spring growth.

Landscaping Uses

• Specimen Plant: Excellent as a focal point in garden beds.
• Mass Plantings: Impressive in sweeps or repeated throughout large landscapes.
• Borders: Adds vertical interest to mixed plantings.
• Erosion Control: Dense roots help stabilize slopes.

Summary

Autumn Glow provides a bold, architectural element with seasonal plumes that shimmer in the fall light. Its drought tolerance, tall form, and year-round texture make it a standout ornamental grass for desert-friendly designs.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Autumn Glow

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun for best color and flowering.
Soil: Well-draining sandy or loamy soils preferred.
Spacing: Plant 3–4 feet apart for mass plantings.
Planting Depth: Keep crown level with surrounding soil.
Support: Not needed—naturally sturdy growth habit.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Deeply water after planting.
• Frequency: Every 3–4 days for first 2–3 weeks.
• Watering Amount: Enough to moisten soil 8–10 inches deep.

When is the Plant Established?

• Typically after 2–3 months of consistent watering.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 3–4 weeks.
• Winter: Water every 6–8 weeks if dry.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

Placement of Emitters: Position 1–2 emitters 12–18 inches from base.
Flow Rate: 1 gallon per hour.
Number of Emitters: One for younger clumps; two for mature plants.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase slightly in extreme heat; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Autumn Glow:

• Soil Check: Allow the top 3 inches of soil to dry before watering again.
• Avoid Overwatering: Can lead to root rot in poorly drained soils.
• Mulch: Use gravel mulch to conserve moisture and complement the plant’s golden autumn tones.