How big does Pink muhly grass grow?

About 90 cm × 90 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.6–1 m × 60–90 cm.

What soil does Pink muhly grass grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, clay, calcareous, acidic.

Is Pink muhly grass hardy?

Hardy down to -18 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H6). In the colder parts of the country (Banská Bystrica Region, Prešov Region, Žilina Region) it may not survive winter without protection.

When does Pink muhly grass flower?

Flowering: September–November, pink, purple.

How much water does Pink muhly grass need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Pink muhly grass

Muhlenbergia capillaris

Pink muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is an ornamental grass that reaches 90 cm × 90 cm after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -18 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €4.50.

Illustration of Pink muhly grass — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A clump-forming grass with fine, thread-like leaves that turns into a pink cloud of flowers in autumn, at its best planted in groups. It wants full sun and free-draining soil and copes well with drought once established. It flowers late and dislikes winter wet, so give it a warm, sheltered spot and do not cut it back until spring.

Watch out for

Winter hardiness in Central Europe is uncertain: sources range from zone 5 to zone 7, and in practice plants are often lost below about -15 °C, especially in wet, heavy soil. Mulch the crown in the first winters and avoid waterlogged ground. After a cool or short summer it flowers late or weakly, often hardly at all in the first year.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 90 cm × 90 cm
Hardiness: down to -18 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D September–November, pink, purple

Group	Ornamental grass
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	90 cm × 90 cm
Ultimate size	0.6–1 m × 60–90 cm
Hardiness	down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Clay, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	September–November, pink, purple
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	70 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €4.50

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €4.50

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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