Creeping bent is a perennial grass that is useful for landscaping and gardening. It is most frequently used as turf for golf courses. Creeping bent is considered invasive in some regions of the US. It is a stoloniferous plant – it forms long stolons, often called runners, connecting plants of the same species together and forming tufts.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Agrostis stolonifera (creeping bentgrass, creeping bent, fiorin, spreading bent or carpet bentgrass) is a perennial grass species in the family Poaceae.
It can be found growing in a variety of habitats including woodlands, grasslands and meadows, wetlands, riparian zones, and as a pioneer species on disturbed sites. It is native to Eurasia and North Africa (Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia). It is possible that it may also be native to northern parts of North America, and in any case it has been widely introduced and naturalised on that continent and in many other places.
It is a constituent of wet habitats such as marshy grasslands. Some of its specieshave adapted to contaminated conditions and can cope with heavy metals. It can exist up to 2,500 feet (760 m).
Agrostis stolonifera is stoloniferous and may form mats or tufts. The prostrate stems of this species grow to 0.4–1.0 meter (1 ft 4 in – 3 ft 3 in) long with 2–10-centimeter (0.79–3.94 in) long leaf blades and a panicle reaching up to 40 cm (16 in) in height.
The ligule is pointed and up to 5 millimeters (0.20 in) long. This differs from common bent, Agrostis capillaris, which is short and does not come to a point.
The leaves are tapering, often with a blue-gray color. The grass is not tufted and the spikelets are red and tightly closed within the panicle. It flowers in July and August.
II. How to Grow and Care
Creeping bent is a low-maintenance, adaptable grass, thriving in various conditions, which makes it fairly easy to care for. It requires moist soil and regular watering, especially during dry periods, to support its stoloniferous growth habit. Creeping bent’s ability to spread quickly requires occasional monitoring and trimming to maintain desired boundaries and prevent overgrowth.
Sunlight
Creeping bent thrives best in full sun conditions which facilitate robust growth and health. Adequate exposure to bright, direct light for at least six hours a day is crucial. Creeping bent does possess a degree of tolerance for partial sun, though prolonged periods in reduced light may impair its vigor, possibly resulting in thinner foliage and diminished resilience. While creeping bent does not exhibit dramatic changes in foliage in response to light variations, optimal light ensures the dense, vibrant green sward it’s known for. When planted outdoors, creeping bent should be positioned in areas that receive consistent, direct sunlight for the majority of the day to maintain its health and aesthetic appeal.
Watering
Creeping bent thrives in moist environments, akin to its origins in cool temperate regions where consistent moisture is prevalent. This species exhibits a preference for regular hydration without being waterlogged, maintaining a delicate balance of soil moisture. It requires watering every week to sustain its health and vigor. As creeping bent is predominantly an outdoor grass, it’s crucial to consider its growth cycles when managing water supply; during active growth periods in spring and autumn, the plant’s demand for water increases significantly.
Fertilizing
For optimal health, creeping bent requires regular applications of lawn or turf fertilizers, which are rich in nitrogen. The ideal fertilization frequency is every 4-6 weeks during active growth, with recommendations of 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet. Fertilization encourages dense turf and vigorous growth, combating weeds and diseases. Seasonal variations affect creeping bent’s nutritional needs; less fertilizer is needed in fall. To avoid burning, do not over-apply and water well post-fertilization. Utilize slow-release formulas for sustained nutrition and minimal environmental impact.
Mow at the Right Height
When a creeping bentgrass lawn is started, mow it at a height of ¾ inches.
This grass variety grows the most in the spring, and homeowners should mow the lawn daily during this time. Keep the grass cut no lower than ¼ inch. Scalping injury can occur if the grass is not mowed frequently.
Propagation
Creeping bent is a perennial grass known for its ability to spread across soil surfaces with its stolons, forming dense mats of turf. For cultivation, it is typically propagated by sowing its seeds, which should be evenly scattered over a prepared area of loose, fertile soil to ensure good coverage. The soil must be kept moist until germination to promote healthy growth. Afterward, regular watering and occasional mowing will encourage creeping bent to form a thick, verdant carpet.
Transplanting
The optimal time to transplant creeping bent is when spring matures into its latter phase or as early summer begins, ensuring robust growth. Choose a location with moist, well-drained soil and dappled light for best results. Remember, gentle handling encourages creeping bent’s successful establishment.
Provide Breathing Space
This grass needs adequately established soil and breathing space. Growers typically use sand because its loose structure encourages the development of a deep and extensive root system. Sand also has excellent drainage properties, allowing water to move through quickly and prevent waterlogging.
Manage Weeds Properly
Avoid chemicals when treating weeds. Pesticides with glyphosate will kill bentgrass. Manual methods are best. If you opt for commercial weed management products, use those designated for sensitive turfgrass.
Dethatch and Aerate
Thatch build-up is a significant problem with creeping bentgrass. The accumulation of thatch can be as much as half an inch a year on sand-based lawns. A few techniques that can be used to manage thatch are core aeration twice a year and occasional vertical mowing.
Some other key practices are dethatching with greens-grade dethatchers and routinely topdressing with sand. Be aware that these management techniques can make creeping bentgrass vulnerable to invasion by annual bluegrass.
Aerate and topdress in the fall and spring to prevent additional summer stress.
Pests and Diseases
Monitor creeping bentgrass closely to apply pesticides as needed. Insects should be treated as soon as they are found. Common insect pests that invade creeping bentgrass are:
Creeping bentgrass usually needs preventive fungicides to manage its vulnerability to diseases. Moist, warm conditions promote infection. Certain diseases, like dollar spot, brown patch, and pythium blight, are a problem in other areas of the country but not a major problem in the Pacific Northwest. Some of creeping bent grass’s most prevalent ailments include:
- Gray snow mold
- Take-all patch (also called take-all root rot)
- Yellow patch
- Fusarium patch​​
III. Uses and Benefits
It is used for turf in gardens and landscapes, particularly on golf courses. Many of the putting greens as well as an increasing number of fairways in the northern USA are creeping bentgrass.
