Mueller's Bentgrass
Agrostis muelleriana
A fine-textured native bent grass forming small tussocks or lax mats in open, well-drained sites. Airy flowering stems carry delicate panicles that add movement and lightness in the garden. Suitable for dry, sunny borders, rock gardens and restoration on poor, sandy or gravelly soils. grasses .
Plant Description
Perennial grass with fine, narrow leaves and slender culms. Panicles open and delicate, often with a soft, hazy aspect when backlit. Foliage may green to straw tones seasonally. Adapted to lean, dry soils with high light and good airflow.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Agrostis muelleriana |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Form | Fine-leaved tussock; airy panicles |
| Light | Full sun |
| Soil | Free-draining, lean; sandy/gravelly soils ideal |
| Water | Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Height | 30-50 cm |
| Spread | Clump-forming to 40-60 cm |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate; free-draining soils |
| Frost Tolerance | High - tolerant of severe freezes |
| Salt Tolerance | Low to moderate |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Climate Best Suited to
Lowland to montane in dry, sunny positions with rapid drainage and good airflow.
Regional Suitability
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Whangārei | Suitable |
| Hamilton | Suitable |
| Tauranga | Suitable |
| Rotorua | Suitable |
| Gisborne | Suitable |
| New Plymouth | Suitable |
| Napier | Suitable |
| Whanganui | Suitable |
| Palmerston North | Suitable |
| Nelson | Suitable |
| Invercargill | Suitable |
Plant Habitat
occurs in natural habitats characteristic of Aotearoa, forming part of distinctive plant communities where site stress and local disturbance shape vegetation patterns. It favours exposed slopes, screes or fellfields with thin, rapidly drained mineral soils, enduring intense radiation, wind and freeze-thaw cycles. On the coast it occupies sunny, wind‑prone sites with sandy or rocky substrates, where salt‑laden air and periodic drought limit competition. These preferences explain its patchy distribution and sensitivity to changes in hydrology, competition and disturbance regimes. Agrostis muelleriana
Plant Conservation
are influenced by land use, browsing and weeds. Protecting intact habitat mosaics, reducing browser pressure, and managing invasive plants sustain recruitment. Where local stands are small or isolated, eco‑sourced augmentation and careful site stewardship help secure long‑term viability. Agrostis muelleriana Populations of
Growing Requirements
Soil
Lean, sandy or gravelly; avoid rich, water-retentive mixes that cause flopping.
Light
Full sun for tight growth and best flowering.
Water
Low; water to establish, then sparingly.
Planting Guide
Planting Steps
Plant in the cool, moist months into weed‑free ground. Set plants slightly proud of the surrounding soil, water to settle, and mulch with coarse gravel or woodchips while keeping the stem base clear. Grouping two to three plants replicates natural patterns and improves establishment under local conditions.
Ecological Role
Fauna Support
contributes structure and seasonal resources where it grows, providing cover and habitat for invertebrates and, when flowering or fruiting, nectar, pollen or seed for fauna. Agrostis muelleriana
Environmental Stabilisation
By tolerating the stresses of its environment, it helps stabilise sites and enrich small‑scale habitat diversity.
Uses
Traditional and Modern Applications
Ideal for rock and gravel gardens that emulate alpine processes, or for specialised collections. Suited to sunny, maritime gardens with sandy or rocky soils where wind and salt are considerations.
Landscaping Uses
Garden Design Applications
Excellent for rock gardens, alpine collections, and naturalistic plantings. Best used in open, well-drained positions where its distinctive form can be appreciated. Combines well with other native alpine plants and provides year-round structure. Consider placement carefully due to sharp foliage - avoid high-traffic areas. Creates dramatic focal points in contemporary and native-themed garden designs.
Seasonal Care
Year-Round Maintenance
Spring management focuses on removing winter-damaged foliage and assessing drainage. Summer care emphasizes maintaining adequate moisture without waterlogging. Autumn preparation includes reducing irrigation and ensuring good air circulation. Winter protection may require covering in areas subject to excessive moisture. Year-round monitoring ensures early detection of problems and maintenance of optimal growing conditions.
Pruning
Pruning Techniques
Little pruning is required; remove dead or crossing material after flowering and avoid hard renovation cuts. Light tip‑pruning maintains compact form without compromising the plant’s natural character.
How to Grow Mueller's Bentgrass
From Seed
Agrostis muelleriana is easily grown from fresh seed. Collect the seed heads when they turn brown and dry in late summer.
Sow the seed on the surface of a standard seed raising mix. Press firmly to ensure good contact with the soil but do not bury deeply, as light aids germination. Keep the tray moist and in a cool, bright spot.
Germination is usually rapid, occurring within a few weeks in spring temperatures. The fine, grass-like seedlings can be pricked out in small clumps rather than individually to form a quicker display.
From Division
Division is the simplest method for maintaining and propagating this small native bentgrass. It is best done in early spring or autumn.
Lift an established clump and gently pull it apart into smaller sections. Each piece should have a good portion of roots attached. Trim the foliage back by about half to reduce water loss while the roots re-establish.
Replant the divisions immediately into pots or their final garden position. Water well. Regular division every 3-4 years keeps the clumps vigorous and prevents the centre from dying out.
Cultivation and Care
This compact grass is ideal for rockeries and alpine troughs. It prefers a cool root run and does not tolerate drought well. Ensure the soil remains evenly moist but free-draining.
It tolerates full sun in alpine conditions but benefits from some midday shade in hotter lowland climates. It is extremely hardy to frost.
Pests & Diseases
Good siting prevents most problems-sharp drainage and appropriate exposure are key. Crown and root rots arise if winter wet persists; keep crowns elevated and water moving. Protect young plants from browsing where deer, goats or rabbits are present.
Cultural Significance
Traditional Uses and Values
Indigenous landscapes and the species that persist within them are taonga. Honouring whakapapa and kaitiakitanga means protecting habitats, using eco‑sourced plants in restoration, and passing on knowledge about local names, uses and tikanga so these relationships endure.
Bonus Tip
No-Mow Lawn
This tiny native bent grass is an excellent candidate for a 'no-mow' lawn in cool, alpine-style gardens. Its fine, misty flower heads create a beautiful soft texture that contrasts well with rocks and paving stones in a naturalistic setting.
