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Colonial Bentgrass

Colonial Bentgrass

Lawn

Agrostis capillaris, Browntop Bent, Highland Bent, New Zealand Browntop

Fine-textured cool-season grass widely used in UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and Pacific Northwest lawns. Mows very closely — produces a dense, velvety lawn at 1–2.5 cm cutting height (ideal for ornamental lawns and croquet lawns). Spreads by stolons and forms a dense sward over time. Tolerates acidic, wet, and poorly-draining soils better than ryegrass. High maintenance compared to fescues: requires frequent mowing (2x/week at ornamental height), regular scarifying to prevent thatch build-up, and preventive fungicide for fusarium patch in autumn/winter wet periods. Fertilise lightly — 3–4 times per year. Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) is the greens-quality cousin used on golf courses but requires even more intensive management. For residential use, colonial/browntop bent suits mild, moist climates where a fine ornamental lawn is the goal.

Light

Full sun

Water

Medium water

Temperature

-25–25 °C

Frost tolerance

Frost-hardy — tolerates frost

Ideal soil pH

5–7

Watch for pests
Crane Fly LarvaFrit FlyAphid
Disease risk
Fusarium PatchDollar SpotRed ThreadLeaf Spot

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