Pink Muhly Care

Question

I have 40 3 gallon pink muhly plants that I’m wanting to keep healthy so they will grow the lovely pink plumes this fall. Theyre starting to turn a little brown but I’m not sure what I need to do. I need them to be in a 3 to 5 gallon pot by October for an event so I’m not sure if they can stay alive in these type of pots for that long. I need help and suggestions! Maybe I’m over watering, maybe they’re root bound…???

Thank you!

Answer 1

If you are in the northern hemisphere, pink muhly should still be dormant or just breaking dormancy in the southern half of the US. This is important so the inflorescence appears when you want the pink color. No doubt it has been greenhouse grown and may be a bit off the natural cycle. It is a warm season grass, like zoysia, so gets a late start in spring and loves summer weather when cool season grasses languish. Most container plants need repotting into a larger pot right away. It is easier, less expensive, and makes a more dramatic show if growers forgo the last potting up. Slide one out of its container and you’ll know immediately if this is the problem. You can either divide the plants and re-use the pots you have or buy larger ones. I’m sure neighbors will love to take extra divisions off your hands! Use a fast-draining potting mix or add sand or additional perlite. Muhly does not like “wet feet” and it is better to err on the dry side than wet. So water, even daily during hot and windy weather but don’t soak the plants. Good luck. It will be a dramatic effect with all those plants!