My New Fave Native - Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)

from High Country Gardens

Since Honeysuckle is the color of the Year I decided to share a pink blooming native grass with you.

Pink Muhly Grass!...it is a native 'fave rave' of mine (or, as I call it, a 'fave rave nave'.)

Muhlenbergia capillaris ' Lenca', known as 'Regal Mist' Pink Muhly Grass, is an extraordinary ornamental grass plant for many reasons: 

from Monrovia

• Its flower heads appear in the fall as a frothy haze of deep pink.
• It is low maintenance and virtually pest free.
• It is deer resistant.
• Its deep roots makes it a tough, drought tolerant plant suitable for erosion control on slopes and useful in xeriscapes (Although regular irrigation and fertilization will encourage the best bloom).
• It grows quickly to three feet with narrow glossy green leaf blades.

from Wayside Gardens

It is not hardy in my area as its native range extends from the south Atlantic Coast down into Texas and Mexico (zones 7 -10). Some people in zone 6 can grow it but it is iffy, depending on the microclimate. I will grow it as an annual.

 'Regal Mist' is a spectacular haze of dusky pink when it blooms and looks amazing when placed against a dark backdrop of evergreen shrubs or a wall. 

Plant it in a group to to create a magnificent sweep on a hillside and enjoy the full effect of this grass swaying in the autumn wind.

Plant it by a pond, pool or other body of water.  

Pair Pink Muhly grass with other native plants like fall flowering asters.  In winter, the dried stems creates a soft silhouette in moonlight. A thoroughly enticing, tough but beautiful plant!

 This is from Touch o Green Landscapes 

 Here is a great book on Grasses: