Pink Muhly Grass

Muhlenbergia capillaris

Nature Hills Nursery

Spectacular Pink-Purple Fall Plumes Transform Your Garden into a Stunning Late-Season Showstopper
Heat Tolerant: Thrives in Zones 6-11
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Pollution Tolerant
Native, Wildlife-Friendly - Attracts Small Mammals and Songbirds
Excellent Mass Planting in Cottage Gardens

$16⁹⁹

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This grass needs full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. While it can survive in partial shade, you will sacrifice those iconic "clouds" of pink color and the stems may become floppy as they reach for the light.
Soil: It thrives in well-drained soil and is famous for its ability to handle poor, rocky, or sandy conditions. If you have heavy clay that stays wet, plant it on a slight mound or incorporate organic compost to improve drainage, as soggy roots are its only real enemy.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Pink Muhly Grass twice a week to help the roots dive deep into the soil. Once the plant is established, it is remarkably drought-tolerant and typically only needs supplemental water during extreme heat waves. Inconsistent watering during its first year can lead to stunted growth and fewer airy plumes in the fall.

Pruning Tips

Pink Muhly Grass is a warm-season grower that should be cut back in late winter or very early spring before new green blades emerge. Think of this like a yearly "buzz cut," where you trim the entire clump down to about 3 to 5 inches above the ground using sharp shears. This removal of old, brown foliage allows the sun to reach the crown and ensures the new growth looks tidy and vibrant.

Fertilizer Needs

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in early spring as the new green shoots begin to appear. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this can force lush green growth at the expense of the fall flowers. Too much fertilizer can also cause the grass to "lodge" or fall over, so a light touch is always better than overfeeding.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Fall Color/Interest, Deer-resistant, Slopes/Erosion Control, Salt Tolerant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Attracts pollinators, Flowering, Fragrant
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	2-3 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring, Summer, Fall
Flower Color	Purple, Pink
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Grass
Botanical Name	Muhlenbergia capillaris
Species	capillaris
Class	Poales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is a perennial grass with ornamental features. These would provide an impressive cover for areas where you have poor soils. You could also plant a few as an attractive summer border anywhere you'd like an additional splash of fall color.

Your Pink Muhly Grass will impress you with its year-round interest and dramatic fall display. The delicate, blue-green grass has a branched nature with a large, airy seedhead that is nearly half as long as the height of the plant itself! In autumn, the lovely seedheads transition to a gorgeous puff of pink-purple brilliance for a stunning display that is sure to set itself apart from anything else in your yard.

The show on your Pink Muhly Grass will continue for several weeks so you'll be sure to enjoy the dramatic color far into the season. The seedheads fade to shades of tan for winter interest, rounding out the 4-season interest of this remarkable perennial grass.

Planting and Application:

Pink Muhly Grass is an easy choice to make when choosing a hardy, decorative plant. Not only does it provide 4-season interest, but its beauty reaches a late-season zenith that's hard to beat in an Ornamental Grass. It may take a few years and the right conditions each year to get that fantastic pink color.

These are colorful and graceful edging, garden décor and planter additions. Tuck a few into your cottage and perennial beds, or pair a couple at the entrance to a walkway or path, and line the back border of a garden bed. For graceful edging and borders, you'll love a few of these elegant ornamentals. Pot up in large containers for a vibrant accent anywhere!

Bright Purplish-Pink To Tan Blooms
Bright Autumn Display
Small 2-3 Foot Clumps
Borders, Edging, Containers & Low Hedges
Great for Floral Arrangements

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Pink Muhly Grass is an easy grass to grow, warm-season perennial grass. Doing best in full sun for the most color, they also tolerate partial shade. Highly resistant to drought, heat and humidity as well as air pollution, once established. It's not fussy about the type of soil so you can expect it to grow in various locations in your yard. Deer tend to pass it by, but your birds will certainly love the valuable treat it provides.

Full Sun & Part Shade
Widely Adaptable to Most Well-Drained Soil
Warm-Season Grass
Deer Resistant
Drought, Heat & Humidity Tolerant
Prune & Clean Mound in Early Spring

Plant some Pink Muhly Grass this year and you'll soon find this to be one of your favorite grasses in any season! Order some today from NatureHills.com!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Pink Muhly Grass come back every year, or is it perennial?

Pink Muhly Grass is a perennial that returns year after year, forming attractive 2-3 foot clumps. As a warm-season grass, it provides four-season interest with its dramatic pink-purple fall display and tan winter seedheads. Cut it back in late winter before new growth emerges.

What are the full care requirements for Pink Muhly Grass, including watering and fertilizer?

Pink Muhly Grass thrives in full sun with minimal care once established. Water regularly the first year, then only during extended dry periods. No fertilizer needed in most soils. Cut back to 4-6 inches in late winter before new growth emerges.

Does Pink Muhly Grass require full sun or can it tolerate shade?

Pink Muhly Grass performs best in full sun, which produces the most vibrant pink fall color. It will tolerate partial shade but may have less intense coloration. For the showiest autumn display, plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

How do I prune or cut back Pink Muhly Grass?

Cut back Pink Muhly Grass in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Use sharp pruning shears to cut the entire clump down to 4-6 inches above ground level. This removes the faded tan winter foliage and makes room for fresh blue-green growth.

Is Pink Muhly Grass deer-resistant and pest-free?

Pink Muhly Grass is naturally deer-resistant due to its tough, fibrous texture that deer typically avoid. This hardy perennial is also relatively pest-free once established. For best results, plant in full sun and shop at Nature Hills for healthy specimens.

Will Pink Muhly Grass survive in my zone if I'm in a colder area like zone 6?

Pink Muhly Grass is hardy in zones 6-10, making it suitable for most colder areas including zone 6. This warm-season perennial may take a few years to establish its full pink display in borderline zones. Plant in full sun and provide good drainage for best cold tolerance.

How is Pink Muhly Grass shipped, and what size pots are available?

Pink Muhly Grass ships as live plants in nursery containers, typically in 1-gallon or larger pots depending on availability. The compact 2-3 foot mature size makes them ideal for shipping and transplanting. Choose larger containers for immediate impact or smaller ones if you're patient for establishment.

What is the expected arrival condition and plant size when ordering online?

Pink Muhly Grass ships as a young plant in a container, typically 4-6 inches tall at arrival. These perennials establish quickly and will reach their mature 2-3 foot clumping size within 1-2 growing seasons. Plant immediately upon arrival for best results.