Muhlenbergia reverchonii 'Rose Muhly Grass' is a fine textured clumping ornamental grass known for its airy clouds of soft pink flowers that appear in late summer to fall. Unlike the more commonly known Muhlenbergia capillaris, 'Rose Muhly Grass' is more cold hardy and adaptable to heavier soils making it ideal for Midwestern and Northern landscapes. It maintains a compact habit and creates a dramatic effect when massed or backlit by the sun.
Height & Spread: 24 - 36 in x 24 - 36 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soils, tolerates clay when not waterlogged
Watering Needs: Low once established
Deer Resistance: Rarely browsed by deer due to fine texture
Native Status
This selection is derived from Muhlenbergia reverchonii, which is native to the south central United States including Texas and Oklahoma. It supports biodiversity in native meadow restorations and low maintenance plantings.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Provides nesting structure and seeds for sparrows and finches during late fall and early winter.
Butterflies
- Provides resting and basking cover for small species such as Pearl Crescents and Common Buckeyes.
Beneficial Insects
- Serves as a summer refuge and overwintering shelter for ground beetles and solitary bees.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Plant 24 - 36 in apart for massing or meadow effects or as individual clumps in smaller designs.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for prairie borders, slopes, gravel gardens, and in low water perennial beds where late season texture and movement are desired.
Companion Plants
- Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation' - Blue tinted summer foliage turns purple and red in fall matching Muhly’s pink haze.
- Symphyotrichum oblongifolium 'Raydon's Favorite' - Dense mounds of violet blue asters create a rich autumn tapestry beside airy grasses.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' - Soft yellow daisy flowers lend low mounding contrast to the upright pink clouds of Muhly Grass.
- Echinacea purpurea 'White Swan' - Elegant white petals and cone centers provide vertical accent and draw pollinators.
- Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' - Cascading golden blooms contrast beautifully with the misty pink plumes of Muhly Grass.