Pink Muhly Grass: The Blushing Beauty of Georgia's Fall Landscapes

The Stunning Beauty of Pink Muhly Grass in Georgia

As the dog days of summer transition into fall across the American South, a spectacle of color emerges that is one of the most stunning sights of the changing seasons. Wide open spaces and roadside lands explode into vibrant shades of pink, arresting the eyes of admiring onlookers. This is the bloom of pink muhly grass, a ornamental native grass that has become an iconic feature of Georgia and other southeastern states' autumn landscapes.

The Allure of Muhlenbergia capillaris

Pink muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is a warm-season, clump-forming grass native to the southeastern United States. It grows well across a wide region from Texas to North Carolina and south to Florida. The species is named after Gotthilf Heinrich Ernst Muhlenberg, an 18th century botanist who first identified many plants in the Americas.

While green during the spring and summer, pink muhly truly becomes a showstopper in the fall when airy, cotton-candy-pink flowers emerge from late September through October. The blooms appear as delicate plumes 2-3 feet long, emerging airily above the slender green foliage. En masse, large groupings of pink muhly can color entire meadows and roadsides pink.

Where to Find Vibrant Stands in Georgia

Thanks to its love of sandy, well-drained soils and open growing conditions, pink muhly thrives across much of Georgia. It can be found growing along roadsides, fields, parks, and gardens nearly statewide. Some exceptional locations to view spectacular stands in Georgia include:

• Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris
• Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain
• State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens
• Atlanta Botanical Garden in Atlanta
• Cherokee Garden Library in Atlanta

Smaller pockets can be readily viewed along highways and rural routes across north and central Georgia including along GA-400, I-20, and I-75. Beautiful natural stands also occur along the edges of oak woodlands and pine savannas.

Contrast With Purple Love Grass

Pink muhly is often confused with a close relative, purple love grass (Eragrostis spectabilis). Both display showy, purple-hued inflorescences in the fall. However, purple love grass blooms earlier in the season, typically August to September. It also favors slightly different habitats like roadsides and disturbed areas versus pine savannas. The seed heads of purple love grass also tend to be somewhat smaller and darker purple compared to the cotton candy plumes of pink muhly.

Cultivation of Pink Muhly Grass

One of the aspects that makes pink muhly so popular is how easy it is to grow. It thrives in full sun locations and requires little moisture or maintenance once established. Its modest growth habit also makes it ideal for smaller residential landscapes. Here is some key information on incorporating this iconic grass into your own Georgia garden.

Planting Considerations

Pink muhly grows best in full sun exposures with sandy, well-draining soils. Like many southeastern natives, it is quite drought tolerant once established but grows best with moderate irrigation. Plants spread slowly via underground rhizomes to form upright clumps 2-3 feet tall and wide.

Plant pink muhly plugs or containers in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. This gives plants adequate time to root before summer heat arrives. Space 2-3 feet apart. Amend planting areas with extra sand or grit if soils are heavy clay. Soil pH can range from mildly acidic to mildly alkaline.

Maintenance Needs

Pink muhly needs little care once planted. Apply a granular slow release fertilizer each spring. Irrigate plants during the summer dry period if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. Remove old foliage in late winter before new growth emerges. Every 2-3 years, clumps can be divided in early spring by digging up and separating sections with a shovel. Replant divisions and water until re-established. That is all that is typically needed to maintain this graceful grass!

Companion Plantings

Pink muhly looks stunning when planted in stands or sweeping masses. Underplant with bulbs like ornamental onions or colchicum for an extra pop of color. It also associates well with other late season wildflowers like asters, goldenrods, and blazing stars. For year-round structure, intersperse with evergreen shrubs like inkberry holly (Ilex glabra) or yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria).

The Splendor of Pink Muhly Across the South

Each autumn, pink muhly grass produces a memorable floral display across the southeastern United States. Its vibrant color, graceful form, and low maintenance make it a treasured addition to gardens and landscapes. In areas like Georgia, sweeping fields of pink muhly have become iconic features that locals and visitors alike look forward to each fall.

So next time you are traveling through the South in autumn, keep an eye out for the cotton candy hues of this beautiful native grass. Let the vibrant pink flowers lift your spirit as the seasons transition towards another southern winter.

FAQs

What is the best time to plant pink muhly grass?

Plant pink muhly in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. This gives the grass several months to establish before hot summer weather arrives.

How do I propagate more pink muhly grass?

You can propagate more grasses every 2-3 years by digging up mature clumps in early spring and dividing them with a shovel. Replant the divisions and water until established.

What size does pink muhly grass grow to?

Pink muhly forms upright clumps 2-3 feet tall and wide when mature. The airy flower plumes emerge another 2-3 feet above the foliage.

Does pink muhly grass grow well in shade?

No, pink muhly requires full sun exposure to look its best. Partial shade will result in floppy growth and reduced flowering.