Supine bluegrass
Poa supina · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant supine bluegrass: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fine and delicate
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (May-July)
- Adult size
- 10 to 30 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-15°C and beyond)
- Origin
- Europe, temperate Asia
- Soil type
- Tolerates poor to moderately fertile soil
Care
Watering
Creeping bentgrass appreciates moderate soil moisture without excess. Water young plants regularly to promote root establishment. Once established, this grass tolerates relative dry periods. During active growth, keep the soil slightly moist.
Light exposure
Plant creeping bentgrass in full sun or partial shade. This grass adapts to various light conditions but develops optimally with 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It also tolerates light shade, making it ideal for open woodlands.
Soil and preparation
Creeping bentgrass accommodates various soils, from poor to moderately fertile. It prefers well-drained soil and fears prolonged waterlogging. Lightly enrich with compost at planting, without excess to avoid overly vigorous growth.
Mowing and cutting
Mowing: maintain height between 5 and 15 cm depending on use (ornamental or grazing). Remove dried flower heads in autumn to promote a beautiful spring return. Avoid drastic cutting in winter.
Fertilization
Creeping bentgrass is undemanding in nutrients. An annual application of well-decomposed compost in spring is plenty. In poor soils, a light balanced fertilizer application at the start of growth can stimulate initial development.
Health and pests
This grass is generally hardy. Waterlogging promotes root rot; ensure good drainage. Some fungal diseases can appear in very humid and warm conditions. Aerate the soil and avoid overcrowding to prevent these problems.
Did you know?
Creeping bentgrass owes its scientific name 'supina' to its characteristic habit: unlike most grasses that grow upright, its stems lie down and root at contact nodes, creating a dense herbaceous carpet that is highly resistant to trampling. This botanical feature has made it a valuable grass for high-traffic lawns and sports fields for centuries.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Tufted hair grassDeschampsia cespitosa
- Wavy hair-grassAvenella flexuosa
- Purple moor-grassMolinia caerulea
- Reed canary-grassPhalaris arundinacea
- Common quaking grassBriza media
- Creeping soft-grassHolcus mollis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.