Pink muhly grass vs Purple fountain grass
Both bring pink to the autumn border. Pink muhly is a North American native that is hardy to about zone 6 and makes a cloud of pink flowers in September. Purple fountain grass, with burgundy leaves and arching plumes, is tender: north of about zone 9 it is grown as an annual and replanted each year.
 Pink muhly grassMuhlenbergia capillaris |  Purple fountain grassCenchrus x advena 'Rubrum' (formerly Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum') | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 3 ft tall, 3 ft wide | 4 ft tall, 2½ ft wide |
| Plant | 2½ ft apart | 24 in apart |
| Zones | 6 to 9 | 9 to 10 |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Dry and sharply drained, lean fertility | Well-drained, average fertility |
| Flowers | Mid September to early November; pink | Late June to mid October; red, purple |
| Leaves | Fine, herbaceous | Fine, herbaceous |
| Job in a bed | Drift | Accent |
| Pets | No toxicity recorded | Not checked |
| Deer | Resistant | No record |
| Native | Yes | No |
| Spread | Low risk | Low risk |
Rows where they differ are marked. Flowering times are for zone 5.
Which to choose
- Choose pink muhly grass for colder gardens (to zone 6), dry summers, a native garden and more wildlife.
- Choose purple fountain grass for warmer gardens (to zone 10) and a longer show (17 weeks of flower against 7).
Can they grow together?
Yes: they grow in the same conditions. Beside pink muhly grass, purple fountain grass is in flower together for five weeks, from mid September. They share full sun and zones 9 to 9.
Read more: all about pink muhly grass, and all about purple fountain grass, each with a bed the planner designed around it.