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Agrostis capillaris

common bent

Better known as Brown Top or Common Bent grass. It is a tufted variety ideal for luxury lawns that will be mowed on a regular basis

Other common names
brown top
common bent grass
see moreRhode Island bent
black quitch
colonial bent
herd's grass
monkey's grass
red top grass
maeswellt cyff redin
Synonyms
Agrostis tenuis
Agrostis marysae-tortiae
see moreAgrostis vulgaris var. aristata
Agrostis vulgaris var. vivipara
Agrostis pumila
Agrostis vulgaris
Agrostis vulgaris var. genuina

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Poaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Agrostis can be annual or perennial grasses, with narrow or bristle-like leaves and branches panicles of small flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe, N Africa, SW Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

By seed. Slow to establish but will become neat and dense if mown regularly

Propagation

Sow seed directly into weed-free, prepared soil in spring or early autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Banks and slopes
Pruning

Mow regularly

Pests

Seed may be eaten by ants, birds, chafer grubs and Leatherjackets

Diseases

Algae, Dollar spot, Corticium disease, Fusarium patch, fungae

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