Purple muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) has a transparent texture
that combines beautifully with other plants.
A closer look reveals why one of its common names is purple muhly
grass. The young seedheads are the color of Welch's grape juice.
grass. The young seedheads are the color of Welch's grape juice.
In the mornings the flower stalks form a gossamer cloud of purple and silver.
Once the sun is higher they sparkles like diamonds.
With rose 'Rainbow Knockout'
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This native is my favorite among ornamental grasses. It thrives in relatively wet conditions and once established is very drought tolerant. It's beautiful at nearly all times of the year. The dry seedheads last until late in the winter, and after the grass is groomed in early spring (gloves are needed, as the slender blades are quite sharp), the new green growth is lovely if understated until the grass puts on its glorious show in the fall.
The seedheads of Muhlenbergia capillaris are now tan and will stand up most of the winter; the seeds of M. filipes are are still purple and in the process of ripening.
Frances of Fairegarden is a big fan of Muhly too, and has used it to beautiful effect in her garden: http://fairegarden.wordpress.com/2009/09/25/muhly-watch-friday/
What's not to love? :)
Yes, I remember that Frances has this grass too. It has always reminded me of spun sugar. It is lovely. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteYou've really shown off the beauty of this grass in your photos! I love all the perfect water droplets, and how the dew shines silvery on the grass.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful! Your pictures are superb Sweet Bay! The grass, the drops of water.... gorgeous! I hope my grass will look as great as yours when it grows up.
ReplyDeleteExactly! Well said Sweet Bay. What's not to love indeed. It's gorgeous. and I do see it sparkling like diamonds with the dew. I bet frost makes it pretty too. It's such a delicate grass and you've shown it off beautifully (like always).
ReplyDeleteYour photos are most amazing! I love the dewdrops on the Muhly. What a treat to see such beauty!
ReplyDeleteThis plant is pure magic :~]
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Alice
I really envy anyone who can grow this grass. I wish it was hardy here.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
I'd never heard of Muhly until Frances's and your post have shown it to beautiful effect.
ReplyDeleteI love it with the blue combination.
it's a spectacular grass Sweetbay and you've captured its charm beautifully!
ReplyDeleteThe jeweled water droplets look like jewelry on the grass. gail
Wow! I want a shawl made of sparkling mauve gossamer just like that. What a beautiful and subtle plant.
ReplyDeleteWhat's not to love indeed! Great droplet shots.
ReplyDeleteDear Sweet Bay, you have captured the magic of the sparkles, congratulations! I have never been able to do it, even though the eye sees it so well, just like your photos. My hat is off to you, and thanks for the link love! :-)
ReplyDeleteFrances
What a beautiful grass this is. I love the close up of the seeds, I had no idea how purple they are. As usual your pictures are great!
ReplyDeletePurple and silver grass.. you're such a good photografer! I so wich myself a bigger Garden,and a warmer one, that purplecoloured grass would be a dream ( together with my white snow..) I guess have to stick to admire your photoes, and I do :)
ReplyDeleteTalk about award winning photos! Beautiful, beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love my pink Muhly too, a fabulous plant.
I love grasses too. I've never seen them photographed like this before. Great job!
ReplyDeleteBreathtaking!
ReplyDeletethese are BEAUTIFUL, especially when they are covered in dew drops forming a fine veil! it looks like you'll have a magical "garland" every winter morning. lucky you!
ReplyDeleteEver since Frances first posted some photos of her pink muhly grass, I have been in love with it! I am hoping that one day plant breeders will develop a hardier cultivar for my zone 5 garden. Your photos of the stems covered in water droplets are magical!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's another wonderful, gorgeous plant not hardy in my zone! :) Pout pout.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! The beaded ones are amazing.
ReplyDeleteHello SweetBay,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post!
I love how you chronicle the progress of autumn in the garden.
The Hubrect's Blue Star is just stunning and you are right, it doesn't look real :-D
I love your Muhlenbergia. Ours is also blooming.