Key Features

• Growth Habit:
  • Upright, clump-forming ornamental grass with a graceful fountain-like shape
  • Typically grows 2–3 feet tall (4–5 feet in bloom) and 2–3 feet wide
  • Non-invasive, tidy growth habit
• Bloom Color:
  • Airy rosy-pink flower plumes that mature to tan in late fall
• Fragrance:
  • No noticeable fragrance
• Fruit Flavor:
  • Not grown for edible fruit production
• Culinary Uses:
  • No culinary uses
• Medicinal & Traditional Uses:
  • Primarily cultivated as an ornamental landscape grass
  • Native grass valued for habitat restoration and erosion control
• Wildlife Attraction & Pest Resistance:
  • Provides shelter for beneficial insects and small wildlife
  • Seeds may attract songbirds later in the season
  • Deer resistant
  • Rabbit resistant
  • Highly resistant to pests and diseases
• Planting Zones: USDA Zones 6–10
• Sun Preferences:
  • Full sun
  • Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best flowering display
• Drought Tolerance:
  • Excellent once established
  • Highly tolerant of heat, humidity, and poor soils
• When to Prune:
  • Cut foliage back to 4–6 inches above the ground in late winter or very early spring before new growth begins
  • Leave foliage standing through winter for texture, wildlife habitat, and crown protection

Planting Instructions (From a 3.5" Pot into the Ground)

1. Choose the Location

• Select a sunny location with well-drained soil.
• Ideal for borders, native gardens, mass plantings, slopes, and erosion control.

2. Prepare the Soil

• Loosen soil 8–10 inches deep.
• Pink Muhly thrives in average to sandy soils and generally requires little soil amendment, though compost may be added if desired.

3. Dig the Hole

• Dig a hole twice as wide as the 3.5-inch pot and the same depth as the root ball.

4. Remove from Pot

• Carefully remove the plant from the container.
• Gently loosen any circling roots.

5. Plant

• Position the root ball level with the surrounding soil surface.
• Backfill with soil and gently firm around the roots.

6. Water Thoroughly

• Water deeply immediately after planting.
• Water regularly during the first growing season until established.

7. Mulch

• Apply a light 2-inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping mulch away from the crown.

8. Spacing

• Space plants 24–36 inches apart for individual specimens or natural drifts.

Overwintering Pink Muhly Grass

In-Ground Plants

• Fully hardy throughout USDA Zones 6–10.
• Foliage and seed heads remain attractive throughout winter, providing texture and interest.
• Do not cut back in fall, as the foliage helps protect the crown from cold temperatures.

Winter Care Tips

• Leave the dried flower plumes intact for winter beauty and wildlife shelter.
• Apply a light mulch layer around newly planted grasses in colder regions.
• Avoid excessive winter moisture by ensuring well-drained soil.

Spring Maintenance

• In late winter or early spring, cut the entire clump back to 4–6 inches before new growth begins.
• Divide mature clumps every 4–5 years if they become overcrowded or the center begins to thin.

Container-Grown Plants

• Place containers in a sheltered location during winter.
• Water sparingly while dormant, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Protect containers from repeated freeze-thaw cycles in colder climates.

Pink Muhly Grass is a spectacular native ornamental grass that delivers unmatched fall color with its billowing pink flower clouds and elegant fountain-like form. Its exceptional drought tolerance, low-maintenance nature, and year-round landscape appeal make it a favorite for modern landscapes, pollinator gardens, prairie plantings, and naturalized settings where effortless beauty is desired.