Mortellaro's Nursery
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Grass, Gulf Muhly
Muhlenbergia capillaris 'Ruby'
Gulf Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is a Texas native ornamental grass celebrated for its dramatic fall bloom and fine-textured form. Native to coastal prairies and open woodlands of Texas and the southeastern United States, it is especially valued for its seasonal color impact and adaptability. While many cultivars exist, ‘Ruby’ is selected for its strong vigor and consistently rich bloom color.
In the Texas landscape, Gulf Muhly performs best in full sun to light shade and prefers well-drained soils, tolerating both sandy and loamy conditions. It adapts to neutral to slightly alkaline soils and can tolerate mildly acidic soils if drainage is good. Once established, it is moderately drought tolerant, deer resistant, and non-toxic to pets. Avoid heavy clay soils with poor drainage and excessive irrigation, which can shorten plant lifespan and reduce flowering.
Gulf Muhly Grass typically matures at 3–4 feet tall and wide, forming a rounded clump of fine green foliage that transforms in fall. In late summer to fall, plants produce abundant airy plumes in shades of rose-pink to ruby pink, creating a striking cloud-like effect. When planted in groups, space plants 3–4 feet apart. It is ideal for mass plantings, borders, accent plantings, and meadow-style designs, where its seasonal display can be fully appreciated.
In winter, foliage turns tan and remains attractive until late winter. Plants should be cut back in late winter before new spring growth begins. Gulf Muhly is reliably cold hardy across Texas and returns strongly each year when planted in well-drained sites.
'Regal Mist' was the cultivar sold before 2025, thereafter we changed to 'Ruby'
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Texas native grass |
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Fall color |
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Deer resistant |
Flower Color:Pinkish Red |
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Height:3-4 Feet |
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Spread:3-4 Feet |
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Spacing:3-4 ft |
USDA Hardiness Zone 5a
Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Texas Native
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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