What to Plant with Pink Muhly Grass

Pink muhly grass, also known as Muhlenbergia capillaris, is a stunning ornamental perennial grass native to the southeastern United States. This grass is highly valued for its outstanding display of airy, pink-tinted seed heads that rise above its vibrant green foliage. If you're looking to add some pink muhly grass to your garden, you may be wondering what plants pair well with this striking grass. Read on to learn about some great options for planting with pink muhly grass.

Native Wildflowers

Pink muhly grass is an ideal choice for creating a naturalistic garden full of native wildflowers. Pairing pink muhly grass with other native wildflowers promotes ecological health and creates a harmonious blend of beauty and practicality. Some wonderful options for pairing with pink muhly grass include native wildflowers like black-eyed susans, purple coneflower, liatris, autumn sage, and butterflyweed.

Shrubs

Adding shrubs to your pink muhly grass combination can create a layered effect and give your garden a more structured feel. Shrubs add volume, texture, and shape to the garden, and they also help to break up the monotony of a sea of grass. Choose shrubs that bloom in colors that complement the pink muhly grass. Some great options include loropetalums, hydrangeas, and dwarf nandina.

Ornamental Grasses

One of the best companions for pink muhly grass is, of course, other ornamental grasses. Pairing different types of grasses enhances the texture and the architectural feel of your garden. One excellent option is to plant pink muhly grass with purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum') for a match made in heaven. This combination creates a beautiful contrast between the bright pink of the muhly grass and the deep, burgundy-purple of the fountain grass.

Perennials

Pink muhly grass pairs well with a wide range of perennials. Native plants like spotted bee balm and purple coneflower work well with pink muhly grass, but feel free to experiment with other perennials as well. A few other perennials that complement this grass nicely include sedum, black-eyed susans, and fall-blooming asters.

Conclusion

Pink muhly grass is a stunning ornamental perennial grass that deserves to be showcased in any garden. Pairing this grass with other plants adds to its beauty and also creates a sense of harmony in the garden. When choosing plants to pair with pink muhly grass, consider native wildflowers, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and perennials. With these suggestions in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating a breathtaking garden full of pink muhly grass and companions that make it shine.