Very few grasses boast a low maintenance characteristic and pretty pink blooms than the Pink Muhly. But before you get this for your garden you might be tempted to ask, ‘is pink muhly grass invasive?’
Let’s learn more about this pretty and hard working plant.
Is Pink Muhly Grass Invasive?
All signs point to Pink Muhly being an invasive species, but you’ll be glad to know that it’s not considered an invasive species to the US.
While it’s true that Muhlenbergia capillaris is a vigorous grower and tends to spill out of its designated landscape space via its fountain-like foliage, it can be easily controlled and managed to respect its neighboring plants.
In fact, you’ll be delighted to discover just how easy growing pink muhly is, and how it produces a veritable shower of pink wispy blooms starting fall. The compact perennial grass is a true ornamental, and you can depend on it to add some texture and color to your landscape.
As an added bonus, Pink Muhly Grass can tolerate salt, pollution and drought and staves off most pests and diseases.
Where is Pink Muhly Grass Native?
Pink muhly grows best in USDA zones 6 to 9, which means those who live there can plant them and enjoy the fall colors in their garden.
US growers will find caring for pink muhly to be extremely easy. It’s no wonder, since the plant is native to the US, particularly the eastern half and western North America, starting from Texas to Florida and including British Columbia.
If you live where pink muhly grass is native, you’re in luck. The plant will most likely thrive with minimal attention as it’s already adapted to the environment, climate and seasons. In the wild you can usually spot them along coastal dunes and forests.
Those who live in non-native zones can still grow the Pink Muhly. It grows best in full sun but can take partial shade, especially in hotter zones. What’s more, it accepts any soil type as long as it drains well and doesn’t hold standing water. Pick the right spot for your ornamental grass and it will reliably produce a shower of pink flowers in the fall.
Does Pink Muhly Grass Spread Easily?
Pink Muhly’s growth is limited by its small size- it grows to a manageable 3 feet tall and roughly the same spread.
The clumps can spread quickly and easily, and soon the ground may be covered with the grass. You can use this to your advantage and allow it to spread, or you could limit where it grows by putting it in a suitably-sized container. For multiple plantings, you should observe a 2-foot spacing.
Pink muhly grass spread can be a blessing or a curse depending on its environment and how you want it to grow. In the right conditions, it can cover a good amount of space, and the tight clusters of pink flowers are a sight to behold.
However, if you want something other than the grass or when combining with other plants and shrubs you’ll want to have a hard divide, mainly in the form of a flower bed or container. There are many pink muhly grass companion plants to choose from if you want to go this route.
Watering should be done in prolonged drought and when it’s especially hot outdoors. You can divide the plant to propagate and share with friends. Pruning can be done during winter to keep the size down and to encourage new growth in spring.
Fertilizing a pink muhly can be done but it’s not necessary. If you really want to you can add mulch, organic matter or slow-release fertilizer once every growing season to keep it hale and hearty.
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