Agrostis capillaris

RHS Plant Profile
common bent
common bent RHS

Other common names

brown top, common bent grass, Rhode Island bent, black quitch, colonial bent, herd's grass, monkey's grass, red top grass, maeswellt cyff redin

Synonyms

Agrostis marysae-tortiae
Agrostis tenuis
Agrostis vulgaris var. aristata
Agrostis vulgaris var. vivipara
Agrostis pumila
Agrostis vulgaris
Agrostis vulgaris var. genuina

Grass Like

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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