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Healthy African violets are pretty African violets.
Photo by L.A. Jackson
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The wispy autumn glow of muhly grass.
Photo by L.A. Jackson
In autumn’s gathering glow, blazing reds, electric oranges and sizzling yellows abound in the landscape, but amid all this dazzling cacophony of color, one plant that always turns my head at this time of year does so because it is a bashful, blushing pink.
Welcome to the soothing beauty that is muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris), but don’t let its wispy appearance, humble hue and, well, cute name fool you. This is one tough ornamental. Actually a native plant, muhly grass is deer-resistant and a champ at living the hard life in open fields, rocky soils, pine barrens and dry woodlands, so being pampered in a cultivated landscape will simply make it a better performer.
During the summer, muhly grass can be a bit ho-hum visually—unless you are a big fan of fluffy, fuzzy, green plants—but as autumn temperatures start to cool, its wispy, waving inflorescences turn to a pleasing pink with slight reddish or purplish tint tweaks. And when winter gets a firm grip on the garden, these sightly spikes fade to a handsome tan but remain through the coldest months.
Fall is not only the season to admire the subtle beauty of muhly grass, but it is also a good time to plant this perennial. And it is quite a hardy perennial, too. South Carolina winters are no problem for it, while summers only oblige this heat-seeker. Once established, this resilient grass is drought resistant—heck, I have even seen impressive stands of muhly grass come back year after year on narrow, baked street median strips!
For the best show, plant muhly grass in a sunny site that has been heavily amended with compost or a commercial soil conditioner. It can eventually grow to around 3 feet high and just as wide, so space accordingly. And while it is settling into its new space, when watering, do it thoroughly to encourage deep roots.
Muhly grass as a singular or limited planting can be used for a fall focal point in a small garden, but if you have the room, adding broad sweeps of this autumn showoff will provide many Kodak moments.
Pink is the signature hue of muhly grass plumes, but there is also a white version available: White Cloud. However, unlike the pink selections that can usually be bought locally, White Cloud is more of an online find.
L.A. JACKSON is the former editor of Carolina Gardener magazine. Contact him at lajackson1@gmail.com.