Gulf Muhly’s Graceful Elegance
The Coastal Prairie Conservancy has collaborated with HNPAT and Clark Condon to create the 9 Natives program, which helps to promote the value of native plants for pollinators and makes native gardening more accessible for newcomers. By bringing bits of the prairie into the city, individuals and families can help support pollinators and learn about the historic coastal prairie landscape. CPC has also produced a video and supporting materials that demonstrate how to create a pollinator garden and how this will make a difference for local wildlife throughout the city.
Whether you have a backyard or live in an apartment or townhouse with limited yard space, the 9 Natives for Sun and 9 Natives for Shade can bring natural beauty to your surroundings without requiring a lot of maintenance. We're excited to highlight the captivating gulf muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris) this month, a stunning ornamental grass that will sway and shimmer in your green space.
Gulf muhly is a breathtaking ornamental grass known for its beauty and delicate appearance. With its feathery plumes of vibrant pink or purple, this grass creates a mesmerizing display that moves with the wind. Native to coastal prairies and marshes, gulf muhly thrives in full sun, making it an excellent choice for urban gardens that receive ample sunlight. Ensure the location you choose provides at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to promote healthy growth and the development of vibrant plumes.
When it comes to soil, gulf muhly is adaptable and can grow in various soil types, including sandy or loamy soil. It prefers well-draining soil, but can tolerate occasional wet conditions. If your soil is heavy or rich in clay, amending it with organic matter such as compost can improve drainage and enhance overall soil quality. You can start gulf muhly from seeds or obtain young plants from local nurseries or native plant suppliers. If starting from seeds, sow them directly into the soil in spring or early summer, following the recommended depth and spacing. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination occurs. If using transplants, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the plant in the hole, and backfill with soil, gently firming it around the base. Water the transplants thoroughly after planting to aid in their establishment.
Gulf Muhly offers a range of benefits that make it a valuable addition to your garden:
Striking beauty: The feathery pink or purple plumes of gulf muhly create a breathtaking spectacle, infusing your garden with vibrant color and visual interest.
Low maintenance: This grass is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. It is drought-tolerant and can withstand hot and dry conditions, making it suitable for urban environments with limited water resources.
Erosion control: The deep-rooted nature of gulf muhly helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it an excellent choice for slopes or areas prone to runoff.
Wildlife habitat: The grass provides habitat and cover for small wildlife, birds, and beneficial insects, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.
Year-round interest: While gulf muhly's plumes steal the show in the fall, its slender foliage adds texture and beauty to your garden throughout the year.
With its low maintenance needs, erosion control capabilities, and year-round interest, gulf muhly is a valuable addition for gardeners who want to incorporate native plants. Stay tuned for our next article, where we'll introduce little bluestem, another native plant from CPC’s 9 Natives program!