PlantFiles: Texas Muhly Grass, Florida Muhly Grass
Muhlenbergia capillaris 'Regal Mist'

This grass-or its close cousin is grown everywhere on the SC sea islands. Carefree with spectacular misty pink in Fall, especially after heavy dew. Local experts vary about cutting back-greenskeepers and local nurserymen told me not to cut back but rather thin dead leaves from the plant with rake or by hand and keep debris buildup away from base of plant. Cut back plants can be unattractive until full new growth is in but uncut continue to provide visual interest until new growth takes over. May develop rot in center if exceptionally wet season.

In my opinion the most beautiful of the ornamental grasses. I am amazed at how long Pink Muhly retains that soft pink color even after heavy downpours.I am curioius to see how it appears and contrasts with deep purple millet.

Planted several along front picket fence in August. Only one bloomed slightly. Possibly plants were still too young. Even though blooms were sparse, the plants looked wonderful. Very wispy, but filled the area without blocking out the fence from our view. They held up well to summer heat, winter frost and rain. I did (reluctantly) cut back in February, but they've grown 4-5 inches in the six weeks since. Can't wait until fall to see if we get more blooming. Either way I love the plant.

I absolutely LOVE my Gulf Coast Muhly. It is pretty throughout the spring as it grows, in the summer as a very neat mound of thin grassy blades, and then POW! in the fall when it goes into bloom. Then I am awestruck!
It reseeds, and that gives me new plantings to place in other areas of my yard, and to give to friends who very much want them after seeing mine in bloom.
Don't cut back until February, or late winter, as the muhly gives interest in the garden even when in its winter color of tan.

In my area this grass is known as "Pink Muhley Gras." I planted it into one of my native gardens last spring, and it has done awsome. I rarley water it and it has exploded in size since it's original purchase. This winter the entire plant looked pink (hence the name). I have actually found this species growing wild in Melrose, Florida, along with wire grass on a piece of land that (fortunatly) hasn't yet been cleared for agreculture or housing. I would recomend it to anyone in the area who is looking for a great drought tolerant grass to accent their garden.

Purchased Pink Muhly Grass last April of 2005. Grew beautifully throughout the months here in Okla. Bloomed in Sept. and was a spectacular puff of deep pink smoke. It still has its plumes (with a light pink hue) and it is now Jan. 2006. Many compliments from neighbors, friends, and walkers. Look forward to planting a ring bed of nothing but Pink Muhly Grass around a Japanese Flowering Purple Plum.

I now have 6 clumps of this wonderfull grass. When my other plants start to peter out in the end of the summer this takes over and no one notices. Very Cool grass. Found if I plant it high in the ground and mulch in it does much better (better drainage in our clay soil) I also amend so it wont be sooo heavy.
Fabulous Grass A++

My town, like so many others in Florida have planted this wonderful native along the highways. Some lingering color on them and it's 12/25.

No major pests or disease problems, will grow in a variety of conditions and it's also found growing wild in various habitats. Even salt.

Provides nesting material and cover for wildlife. See my photo.

we've had good success and many positive remarks about it. Our sources say its cold tolerance is zone 6-7. Also known in Texas as 'Gulf Muhly'.

I planted six of them after seeing them in bloom. They really knocked my sox off! However after a severe New England winter, they all perished. A sad day indeed. I did love the way they looked.

San Antonio, Tx.
This ornamental clumping grass is native to Texas and Florida and grows 3 feet tall and wide. With the flower spikes (inflorescence), it is 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide. The deep pinkish-red inflorescence which are loose and open in appearance give the tops of the plants a feathery or cotton candy look. They last up to two months. The inflorescence is quite magnificent when backlit by early morning or late afternoon sun.

The preferred time to plant it is in the fall in a location that receives reflected sun, full sun or lightly filtered sun. It adapts to about any type of soil and will thrive in sandy locations. Requiring little water after being established, the plants will perform better and flower more abundantly if given regular supplemental water from spring through fall. It requires no fertilization and has a moderate to fast growth rate. Cut the plants to the ground in late winter (at least by Mid-February). 'Regal Mist' is hardy to 0 degrees. Although it not sterile, it is not invasive.