Agrostis canina (Velvet bent lawn grass)

Botanical name

Agrostis canina

Other names

Velvet bent lawn grass, Luxury lawn grass, Bents grass

Genus

Agrostis Agrostis

Species

A. canina - A. canina is a creeping tufted grass with soft, fine leaves. Favours damp conditions and is reasonably successful in the shade.

Foliage

Evergreen

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Colour

Flower

Reddish-brown in Summer

Foliage

Mid-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Ants , Birds , Chafer grubs in lawns , Dog urine , Leather jackets (European crane fly) , Moles , Worm casts on lawns

Specific diseases

Algae in grass , Dollar spot , Lichen in grass , Ophiobolus patch , Red thread (Corticium disease) , Snow mould (fusarium patch) , Toadstools and fairy rings

General care

Pruning

Mow regularly

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Agrostis canina (Velvet bent lawn grass) will reach a height of 0.3m and a spread of 0m after less than 1 year.

Suggested uses

Ground Cover, Lawn

Cultivation

This grass prefers damp situations and is reasonably successful in shade. The grass leaves tear easily and in dry conditions can collect dead fibre.

Soil type

Clay, Loamy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Agrostis canina (Velvet bent lawn grass)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Meloidogyne minor

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Present (Unknown Distribution)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode pest mainly affecting turf. Previously found in UK and likely to be spreading. Relevant industries e.g. Turf producers; potato growers; should monitor the situation and take appropriate action to protect themselves.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/