Origin
Agrostis clivicola Crampton var. clivicola is a type of plant that belongs to the grass family. It is native to western North America, where it can be found growing in rocky cliffs, meadows, and open woods.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Rocky Mountain bentgrass, cliff bentgrass, and Mountain bentgrass.
Uses
Agrostis clivicola Crampton var. clivicola has several uses, particularly in landscaping and soil conservation. Its dense root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it a favorite among landscapers and gardeners for use in rocky gardens, rockeries, and retaining walls. It is also used for erosion control on hillsides, roadways, and construction sites.
General Appearance
Agrostis clivicola Crampton var. clivicola is a small perennial grass that grows up to 12 inches tall. It has thin, wiry stems that are typically green in color. The leaves are also thin and narrow, measuring up to 5 inches long and ¼ inches wide. The leaf blades are flat and taper to a point at the tip. The inflorescence of the plant is made up of small spikelets that are arranged in an open and spreading manner. The spikelets have a reddish-purple hue, which adds to the plant’s ornamental value. Overall, Agrostis clivicola Crampton var. clivicola has a delicate appearance that makes it perfect for use in rock gardens and other landscaping applications.
Growth Conditions for Agrostis clivicola Crampton var. clivicola
Light: Agrostis clivicola Crampton var. clivicola is a shade-tolerant plant that can grow in partial shade to full sun. It prefers moderate to bright light but can also survive in low light conditions.
Temperature: The plant is native to the sub-alpine and alpine regions of the island of Hawaii, which experiences a cool, wet, and humid climate. Therefore, it thrives in cooler temperatures ranging from 50-70°F (10-21°C). However, it can also tolerate warmer temperatures up to 80°F (26°C) but may not grow as well.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil with pH ranging from neutral to slightly acidic (5.5-7.0). It grows best in rocky or gravelly soil, typically found in sub-alpine and alpine areas. The soil should be rich in organic matter with good water retention capacity. The plant is also tolerant of poor soils that have limited nutrients.
Cultivation Methods:
Agrostis clivicola Crampton var. clivicola is a hardy grass species that grows actively in the summer season. It requires well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate partial shade and full sun exposure. For successful cultivation, prepare the soil by tilling to a depth of 6 inches and remove any weeds or rocks. Sow the seeds at a depth of ¼ inch and keep them moist until germination.
Watering Needs:
The plant requires adequate water to thrive. Once established, water the plant weekly, ensuring that the soil is moist to a depth of 6 inches. The amount of water required may vary based on climatic conditions and soil type. During the dry season, consider increasing the frequency of watering.
Fertilization:
Agrostis clivicola Crampton var. clivicola may require fertilization to promote healthy growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 3-1-2 in spring, and again in summer. The ideal amount of fertilizer should be based on soil test results, plant growth, and development.
Pruning:
Agrostis clivicola Crampton var. clivicola is a grass species that does not require any pruning. To maintain the plant's health, remove any brown or dead blades during the growing season. Pruning can be done using a sharp pair of sterile clippers. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the plants' blades to prevent stunting their growth.
Propagation of Agrostis clivicola Crampton var. clivicola
There are primarily two methods for propagating Agrostis clivicola Crampton var. clivicola, namely:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Agrostis clivicola Crampton var. clivicola. The seeds are small and produced in abundance during late summer and early fall. They should be sown immediately after harvest since their viability decreases after storage. The seeds can be planted in containers or directly in the ground. Planting in containers provides more control over the growing environment, while planting in the ground allows for unrestricted growth.
Before planting, it is important to prepare the soil. It should be well-draining and enriched with organic matter. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inches and spaced 4-6 inches apart. The soil should be kept moist until germination, which typically occurs within two weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted once they are large enough to handle, which is usually after 4-6 weeks of growth.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is an alternative method of propagating Agrostis clivicola Crampton var. clivicola. It involves transplanting sections of mature plants to produce new plants. This method is typically used when it is difficult to obtain seeds or when a specific plant trait needs to be maintained.
To propagate using this method, mature plants should be divided or transplanted during spring or fall when the soil is moist and cool. The section of the plant to be transplanted should have a sufficient number of roots and shoots to ensure successful transplanting. The transplanted section should be watered and shaded for several days to promote recovery.
Regardless of the method chosen, it is important to provide proper care to ensure the success of the propagation, such as regular watering and fertilization. With the right care, Agrostis clivicola Crampton var. clivicola can be easily propagated to produce more plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Agrostis clivicola Crampton var. clivicola
Agrostis clivicola Crampton var. clivicola, commonly known as mountain bentgrass, is a species that is susceptible to a few diseases and pests. Here are the common ones and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fusarium Patch: This disease causes circular patches of dead grass that are brown or yellow in color. It spreads during extended periods of wet, cool weather. To manage it, avoid over-fertilizing the grass, avoid watering the lawn at night, maintain a healthy lawn, and improve drainage if necessary.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or yellow powdery spots on the leaves and stems of grass. To manage rust, you should mow the lawn regularly, avoid over-fertilizing, water the lawn deeply but infrequently, and improve air circulation around the plants.
Powdery Mildew: This disease is characterized by a white powdery substance, which appears on the blades of grass and causes them to die. It is caused by fungus, it usually occurs in humid nights. To manage it, ensure the soil is well-draining, avoid over-fertilizing, remove the fallen affected leaves, irrigate the lawn early in the morning, and improve the airflow around the grass blades.
Pests
Chinch Bugs: Chinch Bugs are tiny insects that are usually found in large numbers in the soil and latch onto the grass roots. They suck the sap out of the grass blades and cause damage to the lawn. To manage them, avoid over-watering the lawn, dethatch when necessary, provide good nutrition to the grass and always be conscientious of the right lawn maintenance practices.
Sod Webworms: These are the larvae stage of several types of moths that infest the lawn. They are characterized by small brown patches on the grass. To manage Sod Webworms, handpicking may work if the area is not very large; insecticides are effective too if you follow the instructions carefully.
By following these steps, you will enjoy a healthy, lush lawn free of pest or disease problems.
