Pink Muhly Grass and Where to Find It at Garden Centres in Maple Ridge

If you’re looking for a unique and stunning addition to your garden, Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is an excellent choice. Known for its beautiful, soft pink plumes and fine-textured foliage, this ornamental grass is a showstopper in any landscape. If you’re in the Maple Ridge area, you’ll be pleased to know that local garden centres carry a variety of plants, including Pink Muhly Grass, to help you transform your outdoor space. Let’s dive into what makes this plant so special and where you can find it.

What is Pink Muhly Grass?

Pink Muhly Grass is a deciduous ornamental grass native to North America, particularly the southeastern United States. Its popularity has surged in recent years due to its unique appearance and versatility in landscaping. Here’s what you need to know about this stunning plant:

• Appearance: The most distinctive feature of Pink Muhly Grass is its cloud-like pink or purple inflorescence that appears in late summer to fall. These airy, fluffy plumes create a breathtaking effect, especially when they catch the light in the late afternoon. The grass itself has fine, arching blades that turn golden-yellow in the fall, providing a dynamic, multicolored effect throughout the year.
• Size: Pink Muhly Grass typically grows to about 3 to 4 feet tall with a similar spread, making it an ideal choice for mass plantings or as a statement plant in garden beds, borders, or containers.
• Hardiness: This grass is hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 9, which means it can tolerate a variety of climates. In Maple Ridge, with its relatively mild winters and warm summers, Pink Muhly Grass is a great option for both seasoned and beginner gardeners. It thrives in sunny spots and is drought-tolerant once established.
• Low Maintenance: One of the best things about Pink Muhly Grass is its low maintenance. It’s highly resilient and requires minimal care once it’s established. The grass doesn’t require frequent watering and is resistant to pests and diseases, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance gardens.

Benefits of Pink Muhly Grass in Your Garden

• Aesthetic Appeal: The striking pink plumes of Pink Muhly Grass create a stunning contrast against other plants in the garden. It pairs beautifully with a wide variety of flowers, shrubs, and other ornamental grasses, adding texture and movement to your landscape.
• Seasonal Interest: Pink Muhly Grass provides seasonal interest throughout the year. In the spring and summer, it has fine-textured green foliage, which turns into vibrant pink plumes in the fall. As winter approaches, the plant’s foliage changes to a lovely golden hue, offering year-round appeal.
• Wildlife-Friendly: This grass is also a great addition to a wildlife-friendly garden. The fluffy blooms attract birds and insects, particularly pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in your garden.

Garden Centres in Maple Ridge: Where to Find Pink Muhly Grass

If you’re interested in adding Pink Muhly Grass to your garden, Maple Ridge is home to several reputable garden centres where you can find this beautiful plant. Here are a few to check out:

• Whonnock Nursery: A well-loved family-owned nursery, Whonnock Nursery in Maple Ridge offers a wide range of plants, including ornamental grasses like Pink Muhly Grass. Known for its friendly staff and knowledgeable advice, Whonnock Nursery is a great place to find healthy, quality plants suited to the local climate.
• Garrett’s Garden Centre: Garrett’s Nursery in Maple Ridge is another fantastic option for purchasing Pink Muhly Grass. This local garden centre specializes in a variety of plants, including ornamental grasses, and offers expert advice on how to incorporate them into your garden. Their selection often includes unique and hard-to-find plants.
• Cedar Rim Nursery: If you’re looking for a comprehensive range of plants and gardening supplies, Cedar Rim Nursery is a great destination. Located just outside of Maple Ridge, Cedar Rim has a vast selection of plants, including ornamental grasses, shrubs, and trees. They offer personalized service and advice to help you choose the right plants for your space.
• Home Depot or Walmart: For convenience, you can also visit larger retail stores such as Home Depot or Walmart in Maple Ridge, which typically carry a range of ornamental grasses, including Pink Muhly Grass. While the selection may not be as specialized as at a dedicated nursery, these stores offer the convenience of being able to purchase plants along with other gardening supplies.

How to Care for Pink Muhly Grass

Once you’ve purchased your Pink Muhly Grass, it’s important to plant and care for it properly to ensure it thrives. Here are a few care tips:

• Location: Pink Muhly Grass loves full sun, so choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The more sun, the more vibrant the pink plumes will be.
• Soil: The grass thrives in well-draining soil. While it’s not particularly picky, it does best in slightly acidic to neutral soil. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or sand to improve drainage.
• Watering: Water the plant regularly when first establishing it, but once it’s grown, Pink Muhly Grass is quite drought-tolerant. Water it deeply once every week or two, especially during dry spells.
• Pruning: In late winter or early spring, cut the grass back to a few inches above the ground to remove any dead foliage. This will help encourage fresh growth in the spring.

Conclusion

Pink Muhly Grass is a stunning and low-maintenance plant that can add a touch of elegance and color to any garden. If you live in or near Maple Ridge, you’ll find several excellent garden centres where you can purchase this beautiful grass. With its vibrant pink plumes, fine-textured foliage, and seasonal interest, Pink Muhly Grass is a perfect addition to your garden, whether you’re designing a modern landscape or adding a pop of color to an existing flower bed.