Pine Muhly

Fri, 03/19/2010 - 3:43pm — Kathy Ormiston

Photo Credit:

Abby Garner, PADG

Botanical Name:

Muhlenbergia dubia

Pronunciation:

muh-len-BER-jee-ah

Common Name:

Pine Muhly

Plant Type:

Grass

Mature Size:

18 ins. tall and wide

Water Requirements:

Low: water every 3 weeks until the root ball is wet

Sun/Shade Requirements:

Full sun

Wildlife:

This plant is deer resistant

Muhlenbergia dubia from the southwest U.S. is one of our favorite grasses for the summer dry garden. It looks very similar to the more common Muhlenbergia rigens (deer grass), but it is a third of its size. That makes this plant a better choice for pots and small spaces.

Like most grasses Muhlenbergia dubia really shines in the fall when its graceful leaves add movement and texture to the garden.

In the spring we like to rake out the older growth to encourage new green leaves. Every three years we shear this plant down the ground. That is the only maintenance we do on this plant.