This tall grass is used for ornamental landscaping in full sun locations. Lindheimer’s muhly is deer-resistant and grows in clusters tall enough to provide screening for other garden features. It flowers in autumn with light-colored, lacy panicles.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Muhlenbergia lindheimeri is a species of bunch grass, 3-6′ H, known by the common names big muhly, blue muhly, and Lindheimer’s muhly. It is native to North America, where it can be found in northern Mexico and up to the Edwards Plateau region of Texas. It is also grown as an ornamental grass. as it is useful as a green screen (instead of Pampass grass), erosion control, water retention and nest material for many species of birds
This species is a perennial grass forming clumps of erect stems up to 1.5 meters tall. The ligule may be up to 3.5 centimeters in length. The leaves are up to 55 centimeters long and are flat or folded. The inflorescence is a panicle up to 50 centimeters long which is often purplish in color, with grayish spikelets.
This grass provides graze for cattle and horses, but it is not one of the more palatable grasses because it is wiry. In the wild the grass grows in calcareous soils.
Ornamental cultivars of this species include ‘Autumn Glow’.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Lindheimer’s muhly’s optimal growth is achieved in full sun conditions, where it can benefit from long hours of intense, direct sunlight. Such exposure facilitates robust growth and optimal flowering. While lindheimer’s muhly can tolerate partial sun, the reduced light levels might lead to diminished vigor and sparse blooming. Deviations from its preferred sunlight can also result in leggier growth as lindheimer’s muhly strives for more light. Outdoors, lindheimer’s muhly should be planted in open areas that receive unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day to maintain its health and aesthetic appeal.
Temperature
This stunning ornamental grass is exceptionally hardy and easy to grow and care for, as it’s not finicky about soil, light, water, and other conditional requirements. It tolerates drought, humidity, heat, poor soil, and high salinity. Warm temperatures encourage fast growth, but the plant is hardy down to -18 ℃.
Watering
Thriving in its native dry habitats, lindheimer’s muhly has adapted to be drought-tolerant, requiring minimal water to sustain its growth. This resilience translates into a low-maintenance watering schedule of twice a week. Given its preference for drier conditions, overwatering can be detrimental to lindheimer’s muhly’s health. Typically grown outdoors due to its hardy nature, lindheimer’s muhly flourishes in well-draining soil which aligns with its need for infrequent but thorough watering sessions.
Soil
Although lindheimer’s muhly natively grows in sandy or rocky soil, this plant can be planted in any type of soil as long as it drains well. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including alkaline to acid, loam, sandy, and sandy loam soil types. The plant needs well-draining soil for optimum growth and to survive wet winter conditions. Like most plants, it does not like a wet and soggy condition.
Fertilizing
To support robust growth and enhance the aesthetic appeal of lindheimer’s muhly, integrate organic mulch or compost as preferred fertilizer. Fertilization should be executed in spring, aligning with active growth. Apply a 2-inch layer around the base, avoiding direct contact with stems to prevent rot. An annual application suffices, ensuring lindheimer’s muhly receives ample nutrients throughout growing seasons. Organic mulches decompose gradually, releasing nutrients slowly and improving soil structure. Monitor growth, as excessive vigor may reduce bloom quality. Avoid over-fertilization to maintain plant health.
Planting Instructions
Lindheimer’s muhly can be planted either by seeds or through division, though you can easily buy one in pots or as plugs too. If planting from seeds, starting them indoors will help to keep them warm enough. Transplant outdoors when the weather is right. You can likewise sow the seeds directly outside after the last frost.
You can plant several plants together in the ground, but allow at least 61 to 91 cm of spacing in between clumps for mass plantings or solid borders, or at least 1.8 m between plants for other purposes. The best time to plant your lindheimer’s muhly is in the spring, as it will take its form throughout the summer.
Pruning
Lindheimer’s muhly is a semi-evergreen grass, but a little bit of pruning may be beneficial to this beautiful ornamental plant. Cutting back the plants in late winter to early spring removes dead and brown leaves and encourages new growth of green leaves. Use hedge trimmers, pruning shears, or sharp scissors when pruning. Trim the foliage to about 2.5 to 5 cm above the ground.
Propagation
Lindheimer’s muhly propagates most successfully through division, ideally during Spring or Autumn seasons. This propagation process is relatively easy, and visible signs of success include new shoots and root formation. Ensure healthy parent plant selection for optimal results.
Transplanting
The perfect season to transplant lindheimer’s muhly is early autumn to late spring (S1-S2), to leverage the mild temperatures for proper root establishment. A sun-filled location is ideal. Gentle handling of the root ball during the process is advisable for successful transplant.
Repotting
Best repotted every 2-3 years, lindheimer’s muhly is a clumping grass reaching up to 4 feet tall. Repot in early spring to accommodate root growth and seasonal cycles. Choose a container that’s 2 inches larger in diameter for optimal growth. Post-repot, ensure full sun and regular watering to recover and thrive. Select well-draining soil to prevent root rot, as lindheimer’s muhly prefers drier conditions.
III. Uses and Benefits
Lindheimer’s muhly is valued for its large clumping growth habit as well as its exquisitely soft, fluffy, plume-like inflorescences. It is highly adaptable to various garden conditions and thus has a variety of potential uses. It makes a great border plant, an excellent choice to contrast with flowering perennials or shrubs, brings some life to parkways, and provides exciting dynamics to otherwise dull slopes or banks. The fact that it is evergreen or semi-evergreen gives lindheimer’s muhly an all-season garden value.
