Growing Muhlenbergia

Latin Name Pronunciation:  muh-len-ber' jee-ah

Muhlenbergia, commonly called Muhly Grass, is a genus of about 150 species of mostly perennial, native Grasses growing in open, arid and semi-arid areas of the Western Hemisphere, particularly in the xeric Southwest and dry prairie states. Plants are extremely low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, useful in xeriscapes and water conserving situations, and can take the heat.

Growing Muhlenbergia

Light: Sun

Watering:Low; requires little to no supplemental water once established.

Fertilizer: Do not fertilize, avoid moisture-retentive wood product mulch.

Soil: Well-drained, not overly-rich soil; grows well in alkaline, sandy, and gravelly soils. Excellent drainage is a must for winter survival in colder areas.

Pests/Diseases: Generally pest- and disease-free.

Dividing/Transplanting:  Dig up and divide in spring or early summer if the center of the clump dies out.

End-of-Season Care:  Leave standing as long as it looks good and enjoy the winter aspect; cut back in early spring before new growth begins and mulch with the spent foliage.