Pink Mula Mula (Melinis nerviglumis) is a distinctive ornamental grass, also known as Ruby Grass or Pink Crystals. Gardeners choose this plant for its airy, colorful plumes that create a soft, shimmering effect, adding texture and movement to the landscape.
Identifying Pink Mula Mula
Pink Mula Mula forms a dense, mounded clump, typically reaching 1.5 to 2.5 feet tall and spreading 0.75 to 1.5 feet wide. Its fine-textured, blue-green leaves provide a backdrop for its vibrant plumes. As autumn approaches, the foliage often transitions to shades of purple-red.
The main feature of Pink Mula Mula is its showy flower plumes, which emerge in late spring or summer. These soft, fuzzy panicles are initially a vibrant ruby-pink. Over time, the plumes gradually fade to a silvery or white hue. These delicate, feathery structures are held above the foliage on slender stems, swaying gracefully with the slightest breeze.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Pink Mula Mula performs best in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it tolerates some partial shade, ample sunlight helps ensure its vibrant pink coloration.
Pink Mula Mula is adaptable but prefers light, well-drained conditions. Sandy or loamy soil types are ideal, and it tolerates a range of soil pH, from acidic to alkaline. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils, as this can hinder its growth.
Once established, Melinis nerviglumis exhibits moderate drought tolerance, making it suitable for water-wise landscapes. During its initial growing season, regular watering helps establish a strong root system. After establishment, occasional watering during dry spells suffices. This warm-season grass performs optimally in hot conditions. Pink Mula Mula is winter hardy in USDA Zones 8 through 11 as a tender perennial; in colder regions, it is commonly cultivated as an annual.
Essential Care and Maintenance
Pink Mula Mula is a low-maintenance ornamental grass. Pruning is not always necessary, but removing dead foliage and old flower stems in early spring encourages fresh growth and maintains a tidy appearance. If grown as a perennial, cutting back the grass in fall or late winter allows new foliage to emerge vigorously.
Fertilizing requirements for Pink Mula Mula are minimal. It does not require significant feeding, especially if planted in properly amended soil. If desired, a light, balanced fertilizer application in early spring supports healthy growth and blooming. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of its characteristic plumes.
In colder climates, where Pink Mula Mula is grown as an annual, the plant is removed at the end of the growing season. In USDA Zones 8 and warmer, clumps may be dug up in fall before the first frost and potted for overwintering indoors in cool areas with reduced watering. This protects the plant from freezing temperatures.
Designing with Pink Mula Mula
Pink Mula Mula offers versatility in landscape design with its distinctive appearance and graceful habit. Its vibrant ruby-pink plumes and fine blue-green foliage make it a striking addition to various garden settings. It is effective when planted in mass for dramatic visual impact or used in borders to add texture, movement, and color.
This ornamental grass also works well as an accent plant in mixed borders, providing a soft, airy quality. Its compact form makes it a suitable choice for rock gardens or dry landscapes. Pink Mula Mula is also an excellent option for container plantings, allowing its plumes to cascade over the edges and create a focal point on patios or smaller spaces. Companion plants that complement its appearance include those with contrasting colors or textures, such as coneflowers, yarrow, lavender, or other ornamental grasses. The flowers are also suitable for fresh or dried floral arrangements, extending their beauty indoors.