Several months ago I offered a post about pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris), which is one of my favorite grasses for this area. It is a native, so our climate is ideal for its growth. In October it was at its glorious best as the sun seemed to ignite its pink seed clusters.
October 2014
Yesterday I walked through my winter garden and was once again struck by the beauty of muhly grass.
January 2015
Even on a frosty January morning, muhly grass can be a focal point in this otherwise quiet, sleepy border. Its pink inflorescences and green stems may have faded to a light tan, but the sun still does its magic. In four to six weeks I will cut it down to about six inches, watch it grow over the spring and summer, and look forward to the fall, when it will announce its return to its glory spots in the garden.
Attractive in both seasons, I may actually prefer the winter color.
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Thanks, Jason. I have seen a white variety at a grass nursery near Durham, NC, but have no personal experience with it.
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Stunning in both seasons. Is it hardy ?
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Thanks, Pauline. It is said to be hardy to Zone 6 (-10F/-23C) “with protecteion.” I’m in Zone 7b and have experienced no problems with cold. I did lose several plants because I overwatered.
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Lovely! I looked hard for some of this grass last year and it was nowhere to be found in Germany, but a new search this morning and a couple of online nurseries stock it now…. it is obviously catching on! I shall definitely order one in the spring. Love the winter colours too.
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Hope you can find it and enjoy, Cathy.
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Looks like you have it in just the right spot. Is it morning or afternoon sun that lights it up?
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Thanks, Marian. Sun will light it up most anytime during the day. Much depends on your position in looking at it. Back lighting is the most rewarding. New thought: you may want to see the current edition of Go Magazine (from AAA); it has a grand article about Greenville; of course it mentions your Reedy River!
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It still looks just as nice entering the new year, and you do have it in a spot which captures the light perfectly.
The hardiness isn’t a problem for me, we were down around zero several times last winter and mine came through fine. My problem is the blooms don’t always have time to develop before frost shuts them down. Even in a good year we only enjoy the pink color for a few days, and this fall after a cool summer I saw nothing 😦
(though a spring transplant didn’t help either)
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Thanks for your response. I hope you have better luck with it next fall.
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John, the photo of the grass with pink highlights from the sun is so beautiful – and the type of scene I enjoy in the gardening season. Thank your for sharing! Cathy T
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Thanks, Cathy. This grass is one of my favorite plants…and the photos help to understand why
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