Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is an ornamental grass known for its fine-textured foliage and spectacular pink or purple plumes displayed in autumn. Once established, this species tolerates heat and drought, providing a soft, flowing texture to the landscape. Understanding where to purchase Muhly Grass and what form to choose is the first step for incorporating this appealing plant into a garden.
Identifying Reputable Sources for Purchase
The quality of Muhly Grass is influenced by its source, with three main vendor types offering different trade-offs in price, expertise, and variety.
Local Independent Nurseries
Local independent nurseries provide high-quality stock, often grown regionally and acclimated to the local climate. Staff possess specialized horticultural knowledge, offering tailored advice on planting and care. While the cost per plant is higher, the investment secures a healthier specimen with a greater likelihood of successful establishment.
Big Box Stores and Garden Centers
These retailers offer convenience and the lowest price point, but selection is often limited to the standard Pink Muhly Grass variety. Plants may receive less individualized care, potentially leading to stress or poor health. Muhly Grass prefers well-drained soil and can suffer from root issues if kept too wet, a risk common when stores water all plants on the same schedule.
Online Specialty Growers
Online specialty growers are the best source for accessing unique cultivars, such as ‘White Cloud,’ not carried locally. Purchasing live plants online introduces the risk of shipping stress, which can temporarily weaken the plant upon arrival. Shipping and handling fees must also be accounted for, which can substantially increase the final cost.
Understanding Available Forms of Muhly Grass
Muhly Grass is typically sold in three forms: seeds, plugs, and containerized plants.
- Seeds represent the most economical way to acquire the plant, ideal for large-scale mass plantings. Although seeds germinate readily, the resulting plants will not produce plumes until the second year of growth. This method requires careful nurturing of seedlings and a longer wait for visual impact.
- Plugs are young plants grown in small trays, offering a balance between cost and time to maturity. They are less expensive than mature plants but are already established with a small root system, allowing them to establish more quickly than seeds. Plugs are suitable for filling large areas where container costs would be prohibitive.
- Containerized plants, often sold in one-gallon or three-gallon pots, provide the most instant visual effect. These larger specimens are the most expensive option, but they can be expected to bloom and provide a full display in their first year. When planting, carefully loosen the root ball to encourage outward growth and prevent the plant from becoming root-bound.
Selecting Healthy Stock and Specific Varieties
Inspecting Plant Health
Inspect the plant visually at the time of purchase to ensure a healthy start. The foliage should be a vibrant green or blue-green color, without signs of yellowing or browning, which can indicate overwatering or root rot. Gently lift the plant from its container to reveal the root structure. Roots should be well-developed but not excessively dense or circling the pot, which suggests the plant is root-bound. Also, inspect the foliage for common pests like aphids.
Choosing Varieties and Timing
Confirming the specific variety listed on the plant tag is important to achieve the desired aesthetic effect. The standard species, Pink Muhly Grass, features vibrant pink or purple plumes. In contrast, the cultivar ‘White Cloud’ produces soft, creamy white plumes that emerge slightly later in the season. Planning the purchase around the optimal planting window contributes to establishment success. Planting Muhly Grass in the spring or early fall is recommended to allow the root system time to establish before summer heat or winter cold. If planting in autumn, ensure the grass is placed in the ground at least one month before the average date of the first hard frost.