Muhlenbergia reverchonii 'Undaunted Ruby'

Species

Muhlenbergia reverchoniiRuby Muhly Grass

grassN. America Native

Undaunted Ruby Muhly Grass

Muhlenbergia reverchonii 'Undaunted Ruby'

The Story

Plant Bio

Muhlenbergia reverchonii, or seep muhly, is a fine-textured, clump-forming ornamental grass native to Texas and Oklahoma. It is celebrated for its heat and drought tolerance and airy flower panicles.

'Undaunted' is a Plant Select introduction prized for its stunning, ruby-pink flower plumes that create a cloud-like effect in late summer and fall. It is also noted for its superior cold hardiness.

Uses & Benefits:

The main ornamental feature is the breathtaking cloud of ruby-pink flowers that float above the fine-textured foliage in late summer and fall. When backlit by the sun, the effect is magical.

Its excellent drought tolerance makes it a superb choice for xeriscaping, low-water gardens, and difficult, sunny slopes where it can also help with erosion control.

Ornamental grasses provide shelter for beneficial insects and ground-dwelling birds. The flowers attract pollinators, and the plant structure adds to habitat diversity.

SpeciesMuhlenbergia reverchoniiRuby Muhly Grass

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

30 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to average

Lifespan

Perennial grass

Native To

Texas, Oklahoma

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late summer – Mid-fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sun.
Ensure the soil is very well-drained; amend with gravel if needed.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the container.
Gently tease apart the roots and place the plant in the hole.
Backfill with soil, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
Water well after planting and sparingly thereafter once established.

Pro Tip

Plant in lean, well-drained soil for the sturdiest stems and most intense flower color; rich soil can cause flopping.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full, direct sunlight all day.
Use it in mass plantings for the most dramatic effect.
Cut back hard in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Don't

Do not plant in shade or heavy, wet clay soil.
Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Don't fertilize; it performs best in lean soils.
Avoid planting near aggressive spreaders that could overwhelm it.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Soft-textured mass plantingAiry accent in rock gardensFine-textured border edging

Companion Plants

Salvia greggii Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Agastache rupestris Penstemon pinifolius Hesperaloe parviflora

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Undaunted Ruby Muhly Grass questions

What zones can Undaunted Ruby Muhly Grass grow in?

Undaunted Ruby Muhly Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 5–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Undaunted Ruby Muhly Grass deer resistant?

Yes — Undaunted Ruby Muhly Grass is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Undaunted Ruby Muhly Grass bloom?

Undaunted Ruby Muhly Grass typically blooms in late summer through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Undaunted Ruby Muhly Grass need full sun?

Undaunted Ruby Muhly Grass does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Undaunted Ruby Muhly Grass drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Undaunted Ruby Muhly Grass handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.