Muhly Grass Companion Plants: A Guide to Beautiful Garden Design

Are you looking for a way to add some texture and color to your garden design? Look no further than muhly grass companion plants! These versatile plants can complement a variety of garden styles and offer unique textures, colors, and shapes that will make your garden stand out.

In this guide, we'll explore the world of muhly grass companion plants and provide tips on how to incorporate them into your garden design.

The Best Muhly Grass Companion Plants

1. Coneflowers (Echinacea)

Coneflowers are a great choice for muhly grass companion plants because they offer a lovely pop of color that contrasts well with the airy, delicate texture of the muhly grass. They're also easy to care for and attract pollinators to your garden.

To plant coneflowers, choose a spot in full sun with well-draining soil. Plant seeds in the spring or fall, and water regularly until they're established. Once established, coneflowers require little maintenance beyond occasional watering during dry spells.

2. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)

Black-eyed Susans are another great choice for muhly grass companion plants. They have a similar growth habit to coneflowers, with tall stems topped with cheerful yellow flowers that contrast beautifully with the feathery texture of the muhly grass.

Plant black-eyed Susans in full sun with well-draining soil. They prefer moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought once established. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to keep the plant looking tidy.

3. Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia)

Blue wild indigo is a stunning and unique muhly grass companion plant that offers striking blue-purple flowers in late spring. The plant has an upright growth habit that contrasts nicely with the airy texture of the muhly grass.

Plant blue wild indigo in full sun with well-draining soil. It prefers moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought once established. Cut back the plant after it blooms to encourage bushier growth.

4. Salvia

Salvia is a versatile muhly grass companion plant that comes in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, red, and white. The plant has a bushy growth habit that complements the tall, airy stems of the muhly grass.

Plant salvia in full sun with well-draining soil. It prefers moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought once established. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage more flowers.

How to Design a Garden with Muhly Grass Companion Plants

1. Choose a Focal Point

When designing a garden with muhly grass companion plants, it's important to choose a focal point. This could be a large tree, a water feature, or a sculpture. Once you have your focal point, you can begin selecting muhly grass companion plants that complement it.

2. Think About Color

When choosing muhly grass companion plants, consider color. For example, if you have a red-toned focal point, you might choose muhly grass companion plants with yellow or orange flowers to create a complementary color scheme.

3. Vary Texture and Height

To create visual interest in your garden, vary the texture and height of your muhly grass companion plants. For example, you might pair tall coneflowers with shorter, mounding sedums to create a layered effect.

4. Use Containers

If you have limited space or want to add some height to your garden design, consider using containers. You can plant muhly grass and its companion plants in containers and arrange them around your garden for added visual interest.

Muhly Grass Companion Plants: Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Location

Muhly grass and its companion plants prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Make sure to plant them in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

2. Water Regularly

Muhly grass and its companion plants prefer moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought once established. Water them regularly, especially during hot, dry spells.

3. Prune Regularly

To keep your muhly grass and its companion plants looking their best, prune them regularly. Deadhead spent blooms and remove any dead or damaged foliage.

4. Use Mulch

Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your muhly grass and its companion plants to keep them healthy and looking great.

FAQs

1. Can I plant muhly grass in containers?

Yes! Muhly grass can be planted in containers and makes an excellent accent plant for patio gardens.

2. How often should I water my muhly grass and its companion plants?

Water your muhly grass and companion plants regularly, especially during hot, dry spells. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

3. How tall does muhly grass get?

Muhly grass can reach heights of 2-4 feet, depending on the variety.

4. Which companion plants work best with muhly grass?

Coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, blue wild indigo, and salvia are all great muhly grass companion plants.

5. Can I grow muhly grass in shade?

No, muhly grass prefers full sun and won't thrive in shade.



Muhly grass companion plants offer a unique and beautiful way to add texture and color to your garden design. By choosing the right companions and using them creatively, you can create a stunning and visually interesting garden that will be the envy of the neighborhood.