Overview
Agrostis capillaris is a matforming grass like in the genus Agrostis, part of the Poaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0-0.1 metre wide, reaching full size in around 1 year. Agrostis capillaris grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include lawn grass, sports turf, pasture and ornamental grass.
About
Agrostis capillaris, the common bent, colonial bent, or browntop, is a rhizomatous and stoloniferous perennial in the grass family (Poaceae). It is native to Eurasia and has been widely introduced in many parts of the world. Colonial bent grows in moist grasslands and open meadows, and can also be found in agricultural areas, roadsides, and invading disturbed areas. The name Agrostis comes from the Greek word meaning forage plant, agros meaning "a field". Mature plants reach roughly 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0-0.1 metre wide, carrying evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Agrostis capillaris
About the genus
Agrostis is a large and very nearly cosmopolitan genus of plants in the grass family, found in nearly all the countries in the world.
Wikipedia contributors, "Agrostis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Agrostis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Agrostis
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Agrostis capillaris size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0-0.1 metre
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Lawn grass, Sports turf, Pasture, Ornamental grass
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Agrostis capillaris
- Propagation
- Seed, Separating rooted shoots
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Agrostis capillaris?
Agrostis capillaris prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Agrostis capillaris need?
Agrostis capillaris is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Agrostis capillaris grow?
Agrostis capillaris reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0-0.1 metre. It takes around 1 year to reach full size.
Is Agrostis capillaris hardy in the UK?
Agrostis capillaris has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Agrostis capillaris?
Seed, Separating rooted shoots.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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