Latin Name: Trifolium repens
Yup. Your eyes don't deceive you. CLOVER!
This quick-growing, ground-hugging little nitrogen powerhouse is an excellent addition to any polyculture lawn. YES! LAWNS! Stay with me here -
continue reading for more info...
Photo Credit: Missouri Botanical Gardens
● Canadian Hardiness Zone: 4+ (OSC Seeds)
(USDA Zone: 3-10, according to MBG)
● Plant Type: Groundcover
● Bloom Time: May-June
● Bloom Colour: White
● Maintenance: Medium (requires regular mowing in lawn areas)
● Water Use: Medium (until established)
"If I buy you, bring you home, stick you in the ground, water you and love you -
and you DIE on me - either I didn't do my research OR - you're a sh*t plant."
- a Motivational Speech for plants
Benefits
What makes this plant beneficial to people, places, animals or our environment?
Fills-in VERY quickly. Can be considered invasive (see Pests/Diseases/Issues)
Fodder for Honeybees (forage food supply)
Nitrogen-fixer (excellent option for a polyculture lawn that's GREEN even in difficult growing conditions)
Safe for livestock to eat
Great for crop rotations
A favourite food of rabbits
Can be used to help stabilize soils/land/erosion control
Characteristics
What does it LOOK like?
White bloom on triple leafed stems (where the name "Trifolium" comes from)
Low-growing, ground-hugging groundcover
Lush green during times when grass is yellow and dry
Height: 3-6 inches
Spread: 1-1.5 feet+
Photo Credit: OSC Seeds
Ideal Growing Conditions
Where does it GROW?
Adaptive to most soil types.
Drought-resistant once established.
Plant in well-drained soils in Full Sun for best performance (will tolerate part-shade).
Dry full-sun or moist light shade.
Pests/Diseases/Issues
Does this plant attract deer, mosquitos or Japanese beetles? Is it susceptible to blight, leaf spot or root rot?
Rabbit food and source of nectar for honeybees.
This plant CAN become invasive as it spreads quickly via it's stems. If planted in a lawn, ensure the lawn is bordered by raised beds or hard surfaces (ie. concrete) so it does not spread into naturalized areas or woodlands.
Photo Credit: Science Direct
In the Garden/Home/Landscape
Why did I choose to spend my time writing about this particular plant?
Excellent for lawn areas with dry soils in full sun where grass is difficult to grow
Fixes nitrogen in the soil so it benefits the soil and nearby plants INCLUDING grass
Stays green when the grass is dry, dead and yellow
Low-maintenance. Mow it like you would regular grass.
Perennial! So it will come back every year!
Tips, Tricks and Notes
Sow seed directly into soil in April/May to ensure roots are established before ground freezes.
Sow 1/2 lb per 1,000 sq. ft. - OSC SEEDS
Clover is a natural nitrogen fixer so don't use nitrogen fertilizers on lawns that have it!
You can also sow seeds later in the season (dormant seeding) in which case soil to seed contact is imperative. (King's AgriSeeds Inc.)
Other Resources:
Baseline Nurseries, London Ontario CANADA: http://baselinenurseries.com/
Heeman's, London Ontario CANADA: https://store.heeman.ca/
Parkway Garden Centre, London Ontario CANADA: https://parkwaygardens.ca/
Canadale Nurseries, St. Thomas Ontario CANADA: https://canadale.ca/
Ontario Native Plants Online, CANADA: https://onplants.ca/
Native Plants in Claremont, Ontario CANADA: https://www.nativeplants.ca/
Heritage Perennials in Canada: www.perennials.com
Bamboo Plants in Canada: https://www.bambooplants.ca/full-plant-list/
Missouri Botanical Garden Online: www.missouribotanicalgarden.org
Proven Winners Online: https://www.provenwinners.com/
This is just one plant of SO MANY!
Stay tuned for a new post each week that summarizes an Annual, Perennial, Bulb, Shrub or Tree!
Weekly #FridayFeatureFlower At the top is the pep talk I give my new plants before purchasing them.
I have had a lot dead plants and broken-hearts over the years and I hope that this weekly feature will provide a bit of the research side to help others from suffering my same fate.
~ LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES ~
The main focus of this blog is plants that thrive outdoors in Southwestern Ontario.
Each week, I’ll review benefits, characteristics, growing conditions, Pests/Diseases/Issues and landscape/garden design applications of one of my favourite, high-impact, low-maintenance plants!
I want your Feedback!
Have you had a different experience with this plant?
Love it? Hate it? Want to know where you can find it? Is there a plant or flower you would like to know more about?
Leave your comments below
or contact me through my website: www.mylandscapeartist.ca
Heather Jerrard, My Landscape Artist
Follow me on Instagram! @mylandscapeartist
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