Muhlenbergia capillaris ‘Ruby’ – Multi-plant bundles

Muhlenbergia capillaris, also known as pink muhly grass, is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and salt-tolerant ornamental grass that can be grown in many different conditions.  Most of the spring and summer, it has fine, blue-green leaves, but as fall appraoches, the ‘Ruby’ clone displays sprays of flowers having deeper color than the standard pink varieties.

It grows best in full sun, but can tolerate light shade. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.  Under normal conditions, they will grow to be a mound about 24″-30″ tall and wide.  The plants for sale are seedlings from 1.25″ (72-cell) flats, and will reach full maturity in about a year or two.

Muhlenbergia capillaris grows best in well-drained, sandy or rocky soil with dry to medium moisture. It can tolerate poor soils, including clay and thin, rocky soils. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soils, but can tolerate many soil types.  It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-11,  and looks great in mass plantsings, but can be grown in containers, as well.  Here in SE North Carolina, we have a number of them in an unirrigated right of way along the street.

Muhly grass is tolerant of drought, but grows taller and more attractive if watered during dry spells. It takes average moisture in containers and should not stay wet.

Muhlenbergia capillaris is virtually maintenance free, but you can remove the brown foliage in the spring by cutting the clump back to about 6″ above the ground. You can also propagate by dividing existing clumps in early spring and summer.  It is resistant to disease and insects, but may get rust on occasion (I have not seen that to be an issue).  It is highly resistant to deer grazing and is a known attractant for beneficial insects such as ladybugs.

Overall, it is an excellent garden plant because of its low maintenance and general beauty.

Please note:  We have no heat packs, so if the weather in your area is too cold for plant shipment, please do not order.  At the very least, please arrange to have the package received indoors.