Muhlenbergia Capillaris Pink Muhly Grass #3

Muhly grass flips a switch and turns a patch of your yard into a glowing white/pink cloud right when everything else is winding down.

We honestly think Muhly Grass is one of the most underrated plants in landscaping until about September. Then, everyone rushes in asking, "What is that white/pink fuzzy stuff I see everywhere?" It’s a true optical illusion. For most of the summer, it’s a neat, respectful clump of green grass. But come autumn, it sends up these airy, vibrant plumes that look exactly like cotton candy. When the sun hits it in the evening? It glows. It’s practically magic.

Here’s the best part for our Mount Airy, King, and Winston-Salem neighbors: this plant is native. It was "born and raised" in the Southeast, which means it knows exactly how to handle our climate. It doesn't panic during a dry spell in July, and it doesn't mind our clay soil (as long as it’s not sitting in a puddle). Since it’s a native, it plays nicely with the local ecosystem, providing cover for birds without becoming an invasive pest.

Why We Recommend It:

• The "Wow" Factor: There is simply nothing else that creates this texture. The plumes are so fine and airy that a gentle breeze makes the whole plant ripple. Planting these in a group creates a "pink haze" effect.

• The Polite Grass: A lot of folks are scared to plant ornamental grasses because they fear they’ll take over the yard like bamboo. Muhly Grass is a "clumper," not a runner. It stays where you put it, getting a little wider each year but never sending runners underground to invade your flower beds.

• Bulletproof Maintenance: This is the definition of "plant it and forget it." It’s highly drought-tolerant once established, deer generally ignore it (the texture isn't tasty), and it has almost no pest problems. You just cut it back once a year in late winter, and you’re done.

Best Used For:

• Mass plantings (one is okay, but three or five together look spectacular).

• Sunny borders or islands in the lawn.

• "Xeriscaping" (low-water gardening).

• Steep banks where you don't want to mow.

The Specs:

• Growth Rate: Medium.

• Mature Size: 3–4 ft. tall and 3 ft. wide (when in bloom).

• Sun: Full Sun (Needs at least 6 hours for the best color).

• Soil: Tolerates a wide range, from sandy to clay, as long as it drains well.

Ready for the Muhly cloud? Read more about this native beauty at the NC State Extension Plant Toolbox, or come visit us at Mitchell's. We can show you exactly how to space them out for that perfect "drift" of color!