Pink Muhly

Plant Type: ornamental grass
Plant Height: 3-4 feet
Spread: 2-3 feet
Flower Color: bright pink to purplish-pink
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) – Show-Stopping, Low-Maintenance Grass for Arizona Landscapes

Transform your Phoenix Valley garden with the striking beauty of Pink Muhly Grass, a drought-tolerant, perennial grass known for its vibrant fall blooms and minimal care requirements. Scientifically referred to as Muhlenbergia capillaris, this native of the eastern United States produces stunning, pink to purplish-pink flower plumes that create a soft, cloud-like effect in the landscape. Ideal for a variety of garden settings, Pink Muhly Grass is perfect for adding color, texture, and visual interest to water-wise landscapes.

Key Features of Pink Muhly Grass

Pink Muhly Grass forms neat, clump-like mounds of narrow, dark green foliage that remain attractive throughout the growing season. In fall, the plant’s true show begins as airy, cloud-like plumes in shades of vibrant pink to purplish-pink emerge above the foliage, creating an ethereal look that captivates viewers. These feathery plumes add movement, color, and texture to the garden and are especially impactful when planted in masses.

Adapted to full sun and well-draining soil, Pink Muhly Grass is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for Arizona’s dry climate. Its ability to withstand heat and thrive in a range of soil types, including sandy soils, also makes it a good option for Phoenix Valley gardens.

A Water-Wise Choice for Phoenix Valley Gardens

Pink Muhly Grass’s drought tolerance and adaptability to well-draining soil make it a smart choice for water-conscious gardens in Arizona. This grass requires minimal supplemental watering once established, helping to conserve water while still providing stunning seasonal color.

Versatile Uses for Pink Muhly Grass in Phoenix Valley Landscaping

• Borders and Edging: Pink Muhly Grass’s compact, clumping growth habit makes it ideal for borders and edging, adding texture and fall color along pathways, garden beds, and property lines.

• Mass Plantings for Visual Impact: When planted in masses, Pink Muhly Grass’s vibrant plumes create a dramatic effect, providing a sea of pink in the fall landscape.

• Accent Plant for Rock Gardens and Xeriscapes: This grass’s drought tolerance and low water needs make it well-suited for rock gardens and xeriscapes, where it adds a splash of color and contrast.

• Coastal and Sandy Areas: With its tolerance for salt spray and sandy soils, Pink Muhly Grass is an excellent option for coastal-inspired landscapes or areas with poor soil conditions.

Care Tips for Growing Pink Muhly Grass in Phoenix Valley

Plant Pink Muhly Grass in full sun and well-draining soil for optimal growth and blooming. During its first growing season, water regularly to establish a strong root system; after that, it requires minimal supplemental watering. In late winter or early spring, trim back the foliage to encourage fresh growth for the upcoming season. With its low maintenance needs, Pink Muhly Grass is an ideal choice for gardeners seeking a dramatic, water-wise addition to their landscape.

Why Pink Muhly Grass is Perfect for Arizona Landscapes

Pink Muhly Grass offers Phoenix Valley gardeners a reliable, low-maintenance grass that brings color and movement to arid landscapes. Its showy, cloud-like plumes and narrow, dark green foliage make it suitable for both modern and naturalistic garden designs, adding a unique textural element that enhances any setting. Whether used as an accent plant, in mass plantings, or in rock gardens, Pink Muhly Grass is a top choice for sustainable, low-water landscaping in Arizona. For a bold, water-efficient plant that provides seasonal beauty, Pink Muhly Grass is an exceptional option.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Pink Muhly

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and blooming)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for air circulation and to accommodate their bushy growth
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Pink Muhly is a perennial grass that requires no staking and grows in a clump-forming, upright shape with delicate pink plumes in the fall

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Pink Muhly is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks