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Plant Profiles / Pink muhly grass
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Pink muhly grass
Muhlenbergia capillaris · Pink muhly, hairawn muhly
A fine-textured grass that erupts into clouds of airy pink-purple plumes in autumn. Spectacular backlit by the late-afternoon sun.
Full sunLight
Weekly, drought tolerantWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Needs full sun for the best pink colour.
Water
Weekly, drought tolerant
DryWet
Water regularly in its first season, then sparingly. Pots need water in summer.
Humidity
Low to average
LowHigh
Handles heat and humidity well.
Temperature
-15–40°C (5–104°F)
CoolWarm
Heat loving and moderately cold hardy.
Growth
Moderate, mounding
SlowFast
Grows 60–90 cm tall and wide.
Soil
Sandy, well-drained
LeanRich
Tolerates poor and sandy soils; dislikes wet clay.
Fertiliser
Rarely
RarelyOften
No fertiliser needed.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
About this plant
Native to the eastern and southern USA, pink muhly forms a neat green mound all summer before its famous pink haze appears in autumn. It's very heat and drought tolerant and suits coastal gardens.
Best spots
Sunny balconies, rooftops, coastal gardens, borders and mass plantings where the light catches it.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Muhlenbergia capillaris |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Origin | Eastern & southern USA |
| Plant type | Warm-season perennial grass |
| Mature size | 60–90 cm |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Foliage | Fine, wiry green blades |
| Flowers | Airy pink-purple plumes in autumn |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Division |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Active growth
Flowering
Cut back
Divide
Active growthFloweringCut backDivide
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Weak pink colour | Not enough sun. |
| Rotting crown | Wet soil. Improve drainage. |
| Brown, flat clump | Old growth. Cut back in late winter. |
| No plumes | Young plant or too much shade. |
| Slow spring growth | Normal; it's a warm-season grass and starts late. |
Common questions
When does it turn pink?
In autumn, usually for 6–8 weeks.
When do I cut it back?
Late winter, to about 10 cm.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes, in full sun with a free-draining mix.
Does it spread?
It forms a clump and may self-seed lightly.
