S & J Nursery’s Guide to Growing
Florida Native Muhly Grass
in the Northeast Florida /
Jacksonville | St. Augustine area Landscape
Muhly Grass Origins:
– These ‘Florida Friendly’ landscape plants are native Florida and much of the southern United States.
– They are an ideal landscape plant for low maintenance, low water, low trim landscaping.
– If you are looking for an easy maintenance plant that thrives in just about any soil situation, this one is for you!
Muhly Grass Preferred Exposure:
– Muhly Grass will prefer a full sun location in the North Florida |
Jacksonville | St. Augustine area landscape.
Muhly Grass Foliage:
– Thin strap like foliage is a nice bright green color and adds a fine texture to the landscape.
– Evergreen foliage has a upright clump forming habit.
-Although winter hardy these plants look best when trimmed to the ground in the winter to allow new foliage to emerge for the season.
Muhly Grass Soil Preference / Salt tolerance:
– Muhly Grass will tolerate a wide range of soil components as well as
moisture conditions including both well drained sandy dunes and flood prone areas.
– Moderate salt tolerance.
Muhly Grass Size Variance:
– Muhlenbergia Capillaris can be expected to reach 3-5 ft in height and
spread 2-3 feet wide.
Muhley Grass Growth Habit:
– Evergreen, upright, clumping habit of Muhlenbregia Capillaris forms an
attractive dense mound of fine textured foliage.
Muhley Grass Growth Rate:
– Muhley grass is a fairly fast grower, expect them to double their size
in the first year after being planted.
Muhly Grass Bloom:
– Muhlenbergia capillaris puts on an absolutely show stopping fall fower
display. Just above the foliage the plants bloom has such a fine texture that it will appear as an almost puff or cloud of bright purple – pink smoke.
– Very showy when in bloom and stunning when planted in masses.
Muhly Grass Water Requirements:
– Low water needs make Muhley Grass ideal for Xeroscapes plantings.
– Muhlenbergia capillaris plants will require supplemental irrigation after being planted in the ground from the S & J Nursery container but will survive on their own with little help after establishing itself into the landscape.
Butterfly or Bird Attracting:
– Muhly Grass is not touted as a butterfly or bird attracting plant. .
Best Uses For Muhly Grass in the North Florida | Jacksonville | St. Augustine area
garden:
– Muhly grass is an excellent evergreen selection for the North Florida |
Jacksonville | St. Augustine area landscape.
– Low maintenance landscape selection.
– Plant in masses around a bird bath, palm, or other accent for a little added color and texture in the garden.
— Stunning fall display of flowers makes this plant an ideal selection for
planting in large groups for roadsides, commercial property borders, golf course edgings or natural settings as well as residential landscapes.
– Muhly Grass makes a great stand alone potted accent plant for patios and
pool side plantings.
Care of Muhly Grass in the North Florida | Jacksonville | St. Augustine area
landscape:
-When planted in residential settings where they will be viewed at a closer range, these plants may look best when trimmed to the ground in late winter to allow new foliage to emerge for the season.
– Water every day during the establishment period after planting in the garden from a nursery container.
– Fertilize each spring with a handful of garden compost or a mixture of Milorganite and a slow release poly coated plant food such as Osmocote or Stay Green general purpose plant food or 10-10-10.