I finally found some Muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) to add to the garden. It’s been on my radar for a while and it was even more desired after seeing it in such impressive displays at Frances’ Garden! Yesterday I planted it in our Japanese maple garden next to the Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ that I had already planted. The miscanthus will be moved later but the muhly grass will stay. I like the combination of the pinkish seed heads with the red foliage of the Japanese maple (Acer palmatum). Whenever I buy a plant I look to see if I can sneak a few more out of the pot. Call me cheap, frugal, or whatever you want I like getting more plants for my money! With the Pink muhly grass I was able to get two sizable plants and one little offshoot. I made the division with a shovel and one little sprig of grass fell loose (grasses are not supposed to be divided in the fall, just call me a rebel – spring is much safer!). I decided to pot it up since it had roots attached to hopefully make a new one for next year. With a plant this attractive who wouldn’t want more?
It’s a great plant for fall color!
Edit: I later purchased two more Muhly grass plants from a mailorder nursery and was disappointed with the size and the shipping of that company. For that reason I do recommend trying to find it at a local nursery before ordering it through the mail. By comparison the nursery Muhly had 2-3 more years growth on it than the mailorder and was only a little more expensive. Of course if you can’t find it locally go for the mailorder – better a small Muhly than no Muhly!
It really is a great plant for fall Dave! Now where did you find it…I must get some! gail
Gail,
We were visiting the in-laws this weekend and stopped by Needham’s nursery in Mt. Juliet. It’s off of Hwy 70. You could make a stop next time you are on your way to the Cedars of Lebanon. They have a good variety of stuff but can be a bit pricey.
Hi Dave, so glad you found some and thanks for the link. You must be very diligent to water your divisions, that is the reason not to divide them now, they don’t respond well to being fooled with. Water, water, water. The best time to make divisions is late winter.
Frances
So very pretty. I love the pink and I’m sure your girls do too!
That looks very nice. By next yr. it will look even better. Glad you were able to get more for your money. I do the same thing. I need to check & see if the Muhley Grass will live down here. I think it's so pretty
I bought a gulf muhly a couple of weeks ago. It is still in the pot. I was thinking of trying to get more than one plant out of it also. Great idea.
Yeah for the muhly! It will look good next to the maple.
Great find Dave! I know Frances’ grass is beautiful and with some TLC I am sure your grass will be pretty pink fluff next year!
I found 1 gallon hosta at Lowes for $2 each yesterday! I picked two pots that looked the best and each had three plants so I ended up with 6 plants for $4… I thought that a bargain…
Frances,
Last fall I did the same to a miscanthus and fortunately it made it through. I think the rain we had last night should help!
Cindy,
The oldest does really like pink. It’s kind of strange since neither of us are big fans of pink.
Skeeter,
That sure sounds like a deal! $2 hostas sounds great!
Lola,
I think it will do OK down in Florida. I know it’s grown in Texas so it’s heat tolerance should be comparable.
Tina,
I hope so. I may have to move them one day if the maple gets too large. That will be a while though.
I don’t blame you for wanting to add it to your garden. After seeing it in Frances’s garden I was intriqued too. 🙂