Agrostis Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 18th Oct 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Agrostis plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Cloud grass, Bent, Bentgrass: Cultivation & Garden Use

The common names for the short lived hardy perennial Agrostis are Bentgrass, Cloud grass, and Carpet grass.

Plants of this genus belong to the Poaceae family (the grasses). They typically flower in mid-summer.

William S. Justice @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Description of Cloud grass

Agrostis are medium sized plants that can grow up to 45 cm (18 inches) in height.

Cloud grass has fragile white flowers, and flat green leaves.

How to Grow Cloud grass

It is best to sow cloud grass on the soil surface, with a spacing of 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) after the last frost of spring.

Cloud grass prefers full sunlight, but unlike most grasses will tolerate light shade.

The plant will grow on most well drained soils. Agrostis plant requires between 21 and 25 days to germinate.

If starting growth off indoors, then it is best to sow plants at a temperature of ten to thirteen degrees centigrade (50 to 55°F). Do this five to six weeks before you are going to be planting out, in the spring or autumn.

Caring for cloud grass in the garden

Cloud grass is easy to take care of. Plants require regular fertilizing, and watering if the soil is in danger of drying out. All decayed flowers should be picked off (deadheaded), to prevent the plant setting seed.

Information on Agrostis Plant Species

Agrostis stolonifera - Creeping Bentgrass

Agrostis stolonifera is a cool-season perennial grass. It is characterized by its thin and flat blades. Often found in wetlands, Creeping Bentgrass features stolons and fine-textured foliage.

It thrives in full sun to part shade with moist soil. Its versatility makes it useful for erosion control. It can also be used as a turf grass in cooler regions.

Agrostis capillaris - Common Bentgrass

Agrostis capillaris ihas thin, soft leaves. It produces dense tufts and blooms with delicate inflorescences from May to August.

Common Bentgrass prefers to be grown in a location with full sun, and is able to adapt to various soil types. It is a common choice for lawns. Its drought-resistance also makes it useful for rock gardens and green roofs.

Agrostis gigantea - Redtop Bentgrass

This tall perennial grass has slender pointed leaves, and dense panicle inflorescences. Redtop Bentgrass is known to form extensive colonies.

The Agrostis gigantea grass prefers full sunlight, and thrives in wet to moist soil conditions. It is often used for soil stabilization, and in the creation of wildlife habitats in wetlands and along waterways.

Agrostis scabra - Rough Bent Grass,

Agrostis scabra is a perennial grass, known for its wiry, rough stems and slender leaves. It displays open panicle inflorescences that bear small, delicate spikelets.

Argotis scabra photograph by Matt Lavin.

It thrives in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and in well-drained soils. Ideal for prairie or wildflower gardens, it also provides forage for livestock and wildlife.

Agrostis canina - Brown Bentgrass

Agrostis canina is a fine-leaved perennial grass that growsin dense tufts. Brown Bentgrass has distinct inflorescences, tiny spikelets clustered into narrow panicles, and blooms in summer.

Enjoying cooler climates, this plant flourishes in moist, well-drained soils. Grow in areas that have full sun to partial shade. It is often used in dryer areas for fine lawns and golf greens, as it has a high shade tolerance.

Agrostis nebulosa - Cloud Grass

Agrostis nebulosa is a delicate and graceful annual grass. It has feather-like inflorescences and thread-like leaves. Cloud Grass possesses an ethereal, dreamy, cloud-like appearance when in bloom.

Best grown in full sun. Bes ure to use a well-drained soil. Cloud grass makes an exquisite choice for borders, containers, and cut-flower arrangements.

Common Questions

How many members does the Agrostis genus have?

The Agrostis genus, known as bent grass, consists of around 200 species. These grasses are part of the Poaceae family.

Do members of Agrostis make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Agrostis species can be used effectively in lawns, on golf courses, and as ground cover due to their dense mat-like growth.

Which Agrostis species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Agrostis capillaris (Common Bentgrass) and Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bentgrass) are often used due to their tolerance of close mowing.

Are members of the Agrostis plant genus fragrant?

No, Agrostis plants are not typically known for their fragrance.

What is the perfect location to grow Agrostis?

Agrostis species prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are quite adaptable and can be grown in a range of soil types.

Is Agrostis invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Some species, such as Agrostis stolonifera, can be invasive in certain regions of the USA. Always check local regulations before planting.

How do I remove Agrostis plants from my garden?

Physical removal of Agrostis can be done by pulling or hoeing, or through the use of herbicides. Regular mowing can also help control its growth.

Summary

The Agrostis genus, part of the Poaceae family, contains about 100 species of grasses commonly known as bent grasses. These perennial and annual grasses are found worldwide, but are particularly common in temperate and cool regions. Many species are used for turf and pasture grass due to their dense, mat-like growth habit.

Agrostis grasses prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are highly adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. These grasses are frequently used for erosion control and are popular choices for golf courses, particularly for putting greens due to their fine texture and tolerance for frequent mowing and foot traffic.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on Agrostis. You may also enjoy the following garden growing guides: How to grow Arundo donax and Tricholaena plants.