Grass
Pink muhly (Regal Mist)
Muhlenbergia capillaris · Poaceae
Also called: Pink muhly grass, Hairawn muhly, Gulf muhly, Regal Mist (cultivar)
Pink muhly (Regal Mist) (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is a low-water grass well suited to Tucson and the low desert. It thrives in full sun, with a moderate growth rate.
Pink muhly (Regal Mist) at a glance
- Water use
- Low (established)
- Sun
- Full sun (best flowering); tolerates light afternoon shade
- Mature size
- 2-3 ft H x 2-3 ft W (to 3-4 ft H in bloom with plumes)
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom
- Brilliant pink to rosy-red airy plumes ('Regal Mist' selected for deep pink color), Fall (Sept-Nov)
- Cold hardiness
- Hardy to about 0 to -10 F; USDA zones 6/7-10
- Soil
- Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, rocky, and clay soils. Avoid soggy or poorly drained sites. Performs well in lean desert soils.
- Native range
- Native to the eastern and central United States (coastal plains and prairies from the Atlantic coast to Texas) and into Mexico; not native to the Sonoran Desert. 'Regal Mist' is a selected cultivar.
- Best used as
- Showy fall-color accent and specimen grass, Mass plantings for dramatic pink display, Borders and mixed perennial beds, Containers, Xeriscape ornamental focal point
- Wildlife
- Provides cover and nesting material for birds; seeds eaten by small birds. Generally low wildlife value but offers some habitat structure.
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic; not known to be poisonous to humans or pets.
How to grow Pink muhly (Regal Mist) in Tucson & the low desert
Watering
Drought tolerant once established. In Tucson, water deeply every 7-10 days in summer, less in cooler months; tolerates low water but flowers and fills out better with regular deep irrigation. Reduce water in winter dormancy.
Fertilizer & nutrients
Light feeder; usually needs no fertilizer in landscape soils. If desired, one light spring application of a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer; excess nitrogen produces floppy growth and fewer blooms.
Pruning & care
Cut back to a few inches above the crown in late winter (Feb-early March) before new growth emerges to remove spent foliage and plumes. Do not cut in fall - the plumes provide winter interest.
Notes
Celebrated for its spectacular cloud of pink fall plumes, especially striking when backlit. Although not Sonoran Desert native, it is heat tolerant and well adapted to low-desert landscapes and is widely sold in Tucson nurseries. 'Regal Mist' is a popular, reliably deep-pink selection. Can self-sow; deadheading limits volunteers.
Sources: AMWUA Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert; University of Arizona Cooperative Extension; Tucson Botanical Gardens / Tohono Chul references