Lindheimer's muhly (Muhlenbergia lindheimeri)

Lindheimer's muhly

Also known as: Blue muhly

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.

Scientific classification

Species

Lindheimer's muhly (Muhlenbergia lindheimeri)

Grasses, sedges and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Grass

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Mid fall, Late fall, Early winter

Harvest Time

61 cm to 1.5 m

Plant Height

Purple, Green, Silver

Flower Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Semi-evergreen

Leaf type

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Lindheimer's muhly

Distribution of Lindheimer's muhly

Distribution Map

Lindheimer's muhly is a plant species originally native to the temperate zones of North America. It has been cultivated beyond its natural range, extending its presence through human activities. The ongoing cultivation efforts have allowed lindheimer's muhly to thrive in suitable habitats across diverse regions, making it a familiar component of cultivated landscapes beyond its native confines.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Limestone uplands near streams, limestone outcrops

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

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.

Symbolism

Massive, ponderous, simple

Interesting Facts

Lindheimer's muhly is a very popular ornamental grass that gives a wonderful texture to the landscape. Its best features are blue-green foliage and strikingly beautiful pinkish flowers. These flowers eventually fade and become blond, but the display remains equally stunning.

Name Story

Big muhly||Lindheimer's muhly: 'Muhly' is short for 'Muhlenbergia', the genus of plants in the grass family, named after the amateur botanist Gotthilf Heinrich Ernst Muhlenberg. Lindheimer's muhly carries the name of the most famous Texas botanist of German ancestry Ferdinand Jacob Lindheimer.

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Quickly Identify Lindheimer's muhly

Clump-forming habit with blue-gray foliage

Upright flower inflorescences up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall

Initial purple tones on flowers mature to gray

Enchanting long-lasting blooms with a soft purplish-grey hue

Delicate and feathery inflorescences spanning 16 inches (40 cm)

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Care Guide for Lindheimer's muhly

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Lindheimer's muhly thrives in dry habitats, exhibiting drought tolerance and requiring minimal water. It prefers a low-maintenance schedule of twice weekly watering, as overwatering can harm its health. Typically grown outdoors, lindheimer's muhly flourishes in well-draining soil, benefiting from infrequent yet thorough watering.

Fertilize: For optimal growth of lindheimer's muhly, use organic mulch or compost as fertilizer each spring. Apply a 2-inch layer around the base, avoiding stem contact. Annual applications suffice, enhancing nutrient availability and soil structure while preventing over-fertilization, which can diminish bloom quality.

Pruning: Lindheimer's muhly is a semi-evergreen grass that benefits from pruning in late winter to early spring. Removing dead leaves promotes new green growth. Use hedge trimmers, pruning shears, or sharp scissors to cut back the foliage to 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) above the ground.

Propagation: Lindheimer's muhly propagates best through division in Spring or Autumn. This straightforward method yields success marked by new shoots and roots. Choosing a healthy parent plant enhances propagation results.

Repotting: Repot lindheimer's muhly every 2-3 years in early spring, using a container 2 inches larger in diameter. This clumping grass can grow up to 4 feet tall. Post-repotting, provide full sun, regular watering, and well-draining soil to prevent root rot, as lindheimer's muhly prefers drier conditions.

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