I never saw this ornamental grass before in northern Virginia until today. I purchased 2 10 gallon - they look very healthy - gorgeous rose color with green reeds. However, tag on plant seems to contradict info I'm finding on line. Tag suggests partial sun or filtered shade? Also wondering how I should prep soil before planting and if I should plant in full sun.

Also curious as to what the plant looks like when it's not in bloom and how long will it have color or does it depend on zone?

Thanks! :)

It looks great before it flowers, in my opinion. It got very fine foliage. You can see photos of it before flowering here:

http://www.delange.org/MuhlyPink/MuhlyPink.htm

The flowers should be present in your zone for at least a month, but they will not maintain the color as time goes by. They dry and become beige. They also become very brittle, and will be scattered by the wind. Be aware muhly can self-sow in your zone.