White Cloud Muhly Grass
Muhlenbergia capillaris 'White Cloud'
White Cloud Muhly Grass, Nursery-Grown and Ready to Plant
This size is not in the online store yet. Ask about availability and we will reply with current stock.
- Distinctive white fall blooms add architecture and movement from September through November
- Drought tolerant once established; adapts to sandy, loamy, and clay soils
- Low-maintenance perennial reaching 3-4 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide in 2-3 seasons
About this plant
White Cloud Muhly Grass is a warm-season perennial grass prized for its signature white, airy bloom plumes that appear each fall. This ornamental grass thrives in full sun and brings texture and movement to borders, mass plantings, and xeriscape gardens. Once established, it's drought tolerant and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for both naturalistic and designed landscapes.
Each plant arrives in a nursery container, ready to plant into garden soil or a larger pot. Plant on arrival or within a few days in a spot with full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly for the first few weeks while the root system establishes. Expect steady growth through spring and summer, with white bloom plumes appearing in fall.
White Cloud Muhly Grass at a glance
| Botanical name | Muhlenbergia capillaris 'White Cloud' |
|---|---|
| Plant type | warm-season ornamental grass (herbaceous perennial) |
| USDA zones | 6-9 (some nurseries list 5-9) |
| Mature height | 3-4 ft including bloom plumes (foliage clump typically 2-3 ft) |
| Mature width | 2-4 ft |
| Sun | full sun (best bloom); tolerates light/part shade with reduced flowering |
| Water | low to moderate; regular water while establishing, drought tolerant once established |
| Bloom time | fall, typically September through November (timing varies by region/climate) |
| Bloom color | white, airy cloud-like plumes (this is the defining trait of 'White Cloud' vs. the pink-blooming species) |
| Growth rate | moderate, roughly 1-2 ft of growth per year to reach mature size within 2-3 seasons |
| Deer resistance | good/high |
| Best planting time | spring or early fall, allowing time to establish before extreme heat or cold |
Container sizes explained
| Quart / QT | A 4 inch pot, roughly one quart of soil. A young starter plant, the most economical way to buy several. |
|---|---|
| #1 / 1 Gallon | A trade one gallon pot (about 6.5 inches). One to two seasons older than a quart, with an established root system. |
| #2 / 2 Gallon | A trade two gallon pot. Common for peonies and perennials that need root room; usually blooms the first or second year. |
| #3 / 3 Gallon | A trade three gallon pot (about 10 inches). A well-developed shrub or small tree, often 2 to 4 feet tall on arrival. |
Questions before you buy
Which size should I choose?
Quart-size plants are perfect for containers or as budget-friendly starters; they'll reach mature size within 2-3 years. The 2-gallon and 3-gallon sizes provide more immediate fullness and impact in landscape beds. All sizes produce blooms in their first fall after planting.
When should I plant this after it arrives?
Plant as soon as possible after arrival or within a few days. Choose a spot with full sun (at least 6 hours daily) and well-drained soil. Water immediately after planting and maintain regular moisture for the first few weeks while the root system establishes.
How large does White Cloud Muhly Grass get?
The foliage clump typically reaches 2-3 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide. With fall bloom plumes, the total height reaches 3-4 feet. It grows at a moderate rate of roughly 1-2 feet per year, reaching full mature size within 2-3 seasons.
How much sun does it need?
White Cloud Muhly Grass performs best in full sun, which encourages the densest foliage and most prolific white blooms. It tolerates light or part shade, though flowering will be reduced in shadier locations. Plan for at least 6 hours of direct sun daily for optimal results.
What USDA zones does this grass grow in?
White Cloud Muhly Grass thrives in zones 6-9, with zone 5 possible in some regions. Provide full sun and well-drained soil regardless of zone.
What care does this need in its first year?
Water regularly for the first 2-3 weeks while roots establish, then gradually reduce frequency as the plant becomes drought tolerant. Fertilizer is typically not necessary if the soil is reasonably fertile. Avoid cutting back the foliage in fall or winter; the dried plumes provide winter interest and cut back in early spring instead.