Muhly Grass – Muhlenbergia capillaris

Muhly Grass (Muhlbergia capillaris) is a Florida native ornamental grass that is hardy in Florida from USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11. Mulhly grass is outstanding in landscapes throughout the year with evergreen foliage. It is particulary attracitve when its pink ornamental seed heads bloom in the fall. The blooms can reach up to five feet tall, with plants up to 3 feet tall and wide.

grass in flower
Muhly Grass has its outstanding show in the fall with plumes over the top of its foliage. Photo by Lisa Sanderson at UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County Demo Garden

The pink blooms are dramatic when grasses are planted in masses. They work well in residential landscapes and commercial plantings. Muhly grass make a dramatic statement in any landscape.

It’s very tolerant of dry to wet soils, having a high drought tolerance. Muhly grass can grow in slightly acid to alkaline, sandy soils. Muhly grass prefers full sun.

New plants including native plants, require water to become established. Remember to plan for mature size when planting in the landscape, and leave a bit of the rootball out of hte ground at planting and bring your organic mulch up to the edge of the rootball.

For more information on Muhly Grass, visit UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions at https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/muhly-grass.html and check out Muhly Grass and other plants in the Florida-Friendly Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design at https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/fflifasufledu/docs/FYN_Plant_Selection_Guide_2015.pdf.

Visit the UF/IFAS Extension Demonstration Garden Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, except for national holidays, at 7620 SR 471, Bushnell, FL 33513. When you enter the Sumter County Fairgounds, drive to the back and park to enter the garden.

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Posted: December 14, 2021


Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture
Tags: Grass With Red Blooms In Fall, Native Grass, Ornamental Grass, UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County


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