Actual size and flowering may vary slightly based on season.
Nashville Grass
Nashville grass is a small purple muhly that forms a fine-textured clump of light green leaves about 2 feet tall and wide. From late summer into fall it sends up purple-tan flower spikes that dry to a wheat color. It fits borders, entries, raised planters and other spots where a tall grass would block the view. It takes full sun, reflected heat or part shade.
Best for: Borders and entries, raised planters and patios, small spaces with a view to keep open, and mass plantings in sun or reflected heat.
At about 2 feet tall, it suits borders, entries and walkways where a taller grass would block the view. It works along foundations and in parking strips.
Its small size fits patios, raised planters and planting pockets among rocks. It also works as a filler in small spaces.
Planted in a mass, the purple-tan spikes make a soft haze from late summer into fall. It takes full sun, reflected heat or part shade.
It goes completely dormant in winter, even in the low desert, so the clump is tan until spring. It then needs a cut back in early spring.
- Plant to plant2-3 ft apart, center to center
- Mass planting2-3 ft apart, center to center
Water new plants regularly while they get rooted. New plants need extra water through their first year or two.
Once rooted it gets by on little water. A deep soak every 1 to 2 weeks in summer keeps it full.
It goes dormant in winter. Cut it back in early spring, once a year. Repeated trims through the year weaken it.
Turns tan in winter and greens up again in spring.
Drainage test first. Dig the hole and fill it with water. If water is still sitting in the hole a day later, you likely hit caliche, clay or hard soil, so fix the drainage before planting. If it drains very fast, the soil is sandy. Standing water around roots is a common reason new plants fail.
Weed cloth. Cut it away from the planting hole and where the roots will spread. Remove any plastic sheeting completely, since it keeps water and air out of the soil.
Rock or decomposed granite with no soil underneath. Bring in soil close in texture to your native soil, mix it with the soil below, and build up enough depth for roots before planting.
If you can break through. Use a breaker bar, pick, or jackhammer. Dig through the caliche and break out the solid chunks. Backfill with the soil you dug out, with no compost or manure in the hole. Confirm drainage before planting.
If you cannot break through. Dig narrow holes through the hard layer beside the root ball, not under it, and refill them with the same soil, not gravel. If it still will not drain, plant on a low mound of the same soil.
Root ball. Check the outside edges for any roots circling around. Loosen or cut those so they grow outward. Do not break up the center of the root ball.
Depth. The top of the root ball should sit at or just slightly above the surrounding soil level. Planting too deep can lead to rot and kill the plant.
Drip emitters. At planting, put the emitters on the root ball, on different sides of the plant. After about 2 months, move them to the outer edge of the root ball. Over the first year, add emitters farther out toward the edge of the branches as roots grow. Once a plant is rooted, never water only at the trunk.
How big does Nashville grass get?
It grows about 2 feet tall and wide, with a range of 1 to 3 feet. It grows at a moderate pace.
What color are the flowers?
Purple-tan spikes rise above the leaves from late summer into fall. They dry to a wheat color.
Does Nashville grass stay green in winter?
No. It goes completely dormant in winter, even in the low desert. New growth comes back in spring.
When do I cut it back?
Cut it back in early spring, once a year. Repeated trims through the year weaken purple muhly.
How often should I water it?
Once rooted it gets by on little water. A deep soak every 1 to 2 weeks in summer keeps it full.
Can it take reflected heat?
Yes. It takes full sun and reflected heat, and it also grows in part shade.
Can I grow it in a planter or small bed?
Yes. Its small size suits patios, raised planters and small spaces.
What soil does it need?
It grows in most Valley soils, from sand to clay, as long as they drain.
How cold can it take?
It is hardy to about -10°F, so Valley winters do not hurt it and it needs no frost cover.
How is Nashville grass different from other muhlies?
It is one of the smallest, at about 2 feet, with purple-tan spikes. Pink muhly has airy pink plumes on a 2 to 3 foot mound. Deer grass grows 3 to 5 feet with tan spikes.
Nashville Grass for sale in Arizona, delivered to you
Nashville grass is a compact form of purple muhly, a bunch grass that grows wild from southeastern Arizona into Mexico. It stays about 2 feet tall and wide with purple-tan fall spikes. This page covers size, bloom, watering, the winter rest, the spring cut back and where it fits.
Sourced from trusted Arizona growers and delivered directly to your door, job site, or property. We deliver across the Valley and to nearby towns, and quote delivery anywhere else in Arizona.
How big does Nashville muhly get?
Nashville grass grows about 2 feet tall and wide, with a range of 1 to 3 feet. It keeps a fine-textured, light green clump.
A small grass for borders and entries in Phoenix
At about 2 feet, it fits borders, entries and walkways where a tall grass would block the view. It also works in raised planters and on patios.
Does Nashville grass go dormant in winter?
Yes. It goes completely dormant in winter, even in the low desert, and the clump turns tan. Cut it back in early spring and new growth fills in.
How often to water Nashville grass
Once rooted it gets by on little water. A deep soak every 1 to 2 weeks in summer keeps it looking full. Plant it in soil that drains.
Nashville muhly for reflected heat
It takes full sun and reflected heat, and it also grows in part shade. It is hardy to about -10°F.
Nashville grass vs pink muhly
Nashville grass is smaller, about 2 feet, with purple-tan spikes that dry to wheat. Pink muhly has airy pink plumes in fall on a 2 to 3 foot mound.
We deliver across the Valley, from Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa out to San Tan Valley, Maricopa and Casa Grande, and up to Prescott, Sedona, Payson and Globe. See delivery areas and rates.