Pink muhlygrass (Muhlenbergia capillaris 'Fast Forward')
Muhlenbergia capillaris 'Fast Forward', or Pink muhlygrass, offers spectacular pink fall flowers. Low maintenance grass for Zones 6-10.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Muhlenbergia capillaris ‘Fast Forward’ is a prized, warm-season perennial grass celebrated for its truly spectacular late-season floral display. This cultivar, known commercially as Pink muhlygrass, distinguishes itself by blooming several weeks earlier than the standard species, extending the season of interest. Its tightly clumped, dark green foliage provides excellent texture throughout the summer before being enveloped in airy, cloud-like pink inflorescences.
This low-maintenance selection provides outstanding visual impact when grouped or massed, transforming the late-season landscape with its fine texture and vibrant color. Tolerant of heat, humidity, and even poor soils, Pink muhlygrass offers durability alongside its unique ornamental value. Growing to about three feet tall and wide, Muhlenbergia capillaris ‘Fast Forward’ establishes quickly, making it a highly practical choice for contemporary garden designs.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Poaceae
- Plant Type: Ornamental grass
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 2-3 ft
- Bloom Time: August to October
- Bloom Description: Pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Muhlenbergia capillaris ‘Fast Forward’ when conditions are warm, ideally after the danger of frost has passed. This grass thrives best in well-drained soils, favoring sandy or rocky compositions with moisture levels ranging from dry to medium. While full sun promotes the densest habit and best flowering, this Pink muhlygrass tolerates light shade; however, moisture consistency in shadier spots may cause the plants to grow slightly taller.
Once establishment occurs, this ornamental grass exhibits excellent drought tolerance, though more consistent moisture will encourage faster growth. Fertilization is generally unnecessary, especially in average or poor soils where this plant performs well. Pruning involves cutting the foliage back close to the ground either in late winter or very early spring before new growth begins.
This cultivar, Muhlenbergia capillaris ‘Fast Forward’, does not spread aggressively via rhizomes, simplifying its placement in the garden bed. Propagation can be achieved through seed collection after plumes turn tan in winter, or by dividing mature clumps during the spring growth period.
Landscape Uses
Pink muhlygrass excels when used in mass plantings to create broad strokes of ethereal pink color late in the season. Grouping several clumps together emphasizes the airy texture of the blooms, creating a fog-like effect above the deep green basal foliage. It is an outstanding choice for borders where structure and visual excitement are desired from late summer into fall.
Due to its tolerance for urban conditions, including poor soils, this grass fits well in native plant areas or cottage gardens aiming for naturalistic drifts. Consider planting Muhlenbergia capillaris ‘Fast Forward’ near structures or architectural evergreens that can serve as a dark, stabilizing backdrop for the delicate pink plumes.
When used in borders, pair it with plants that mature earlier in the season, allowing the grass to take center stage as summer fades. Its low maintenance requirement also makes it perfect for highway plantings or sites where regular intervention is difficult.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Muhlenbergia capillaris, commonly called Pink muhlygrass or pink hair grass, is a clump-forming, warm-season, perennial grass noted for spectacular clouds of fall flowers arising from attractive summer foliage. Glossy, wiry, thread-like, dark green leaves form an attractive basal clump, but it is the fall flowering that truly distinguishes this grass, featuring airy, loosely branched inflorescences in pink to pinkish-red that float above the foliage. The cultivar ‘Fast Forward’ is specifically selected for its ability to bloom several weeks earlier, ensuring the showy, feathery spikes emerge reliably in late summer and persist into winter.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Black Walnut
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
Muhlenbergia capillaris ‘Fast Forward’ is generally recognized for having no serious insect or disease problems, making it an exceptionally reliable performer in the landscape. Its tolerance for urban stresses further reduces potential cultural issues if basic drainage needs are met. Management revolves around proper timing for its annual haircut in early spring to maximize its seasonal appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Pink muhlygrass suitable for?
Pink muhlygrass (Muhlenbergia capillaris ‘Fast Forward’) is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 10.
How large does Pink muhlygrass grow?
Mature clumps of Muhlenbergia capillaris ‘Fast Forward’ typically reach 2 to 3 feet in height and spread approximately 2 to 3 feet wide when in full bloom.
When does Pink muhlygrass bloom?
This ornamental grass blooms from August into October, offering its characteristic pink plumes throughout the late summer and early fall season.
What sun exposure does Pink muhlygrass need?
For the best display of color and strongest, most compact growth, Pink muhlygrass should be planted in full sun, though it can tolerate light shade.
Conclusion
The early, prolific flowering display of Muhlenbergia capillaris ‘Fast Forward’ provides reliable, late-season visual interest with minimal gardener input. This durable ornamental grass offers outstanding texture and color, establishing itself as a go-to choice for texture and resilience in modern and native landscapes. Ensure your site offers excellent drainage, verify you are within Zones 6-10, and plan to enjoy the unique performance of this Pink muhlygrass every fall.
Companion Planting
Selecting companions that complement the upright, airy habit of Muhlenbergia capillaris ‘Fast Forward’ enhances its late-season drama. Best partners are those that offer strong structure or contrasting late-season color before the grass blooms. Try pairing it with sturdy perennials like Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan) that finish blooming just as the grass begins its pink explosion, or dense shrubs like Dwarf Fothergilla that emphasize the grass’s fine texture.
Because this grass performs well in dry, lean, well-drained soils, avoid siting it directly adjacent to heavy feeders or plants requiring constant moisture, which could lead to cultural mismatches. The overall goal is complementing the low-water, full-sun requirements of this excellent native grass selection.
Design Ideas with Architectural Impact
The airy plumes of Muhlenbergia capillaris ‘Fast Forward’ function almost like a semi-transparent screen, excellent for softening hardscape edges or viewing corridors. Use it as a natural border or low hedge where you want movement rather than an opaque barrier. Its ability to tolerate dryness makes it ideal for xeriscaping or sloped areas where erosion control is needed alongside aesthetics.
Consider planting the grass near entryways or along paths; the wind moving through the fine foliage and flowers creates a captivating visual and subtle sound effect as you approach. For a striking monochromatic design, layer Muhlenbergia capillaris ‘Fast Forward’ behind shorter white-blooming asters that share similar late-season requirements.
