Also known as Clover · 181 saves
Trifolium
Trifolium, the genus most gardeners know as clover. We track 6 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 5 most-saved Trifolium varieties
Browse all 6 Trifolium varieties →
4 species of Trifolium
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Trifolium in Sow
Save the Trifolium you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Trifolium
Whats common across all Trifolium varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them.
The Trifolium year
- Spring CleanupMarch83% of varieties
Cut back old, dead stems to the ground before new growth starts
- PlantMarch, April, September and October67% of varieties
Plant nursery stock or divisions in early spring or fall
- DivideApril and October50% of varieties
Divide mature clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- PruneAugust and September50% of varieties
Mow high if used in a lawn setting to control height and encourage density
- MulchApril33% of varieties
Apply a light layer of mulch to suppress weeds
- Check for PestsMay33% of varieties
Monitor foliage for aphids and spider mites during dry spells.
Do
- Water during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms 🌱
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture 🌱
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor 🌱
- Water regularly during dry spells 💧
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers ❌
- Refrain from heavy pruning in late fall ❌
- Keep from planting in overly shady spots ❌
What goes wrong with Trifolium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky honeydew and distorted leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Ensure well-drained soil and avoid overwatering |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on the foliage and stippled, yellowing leaves during hot, dry weather. | Blast the foliage with a sharp stream of water to dislodge mites, or apply insecticidal soap. |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; NCSU rates it resistant to rabbits and squirrels |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply sulfur fungicide or remove affected foliage |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing foliage and black, mushy roots caused by saturated soil conditions. | Ensure high drainage and avoid planting in low-lying or poorly drained areas. |
| Clover rot | Wilting, browning, and decay of stems and leaves near the soil line, accompanied by white fungal growth in wet conditions. | Improve soil drainage, reduce planting density to increase airflow, and avoid overhead watering. |
Making more Trifolium
Seed
- Tuck seeds into soil in early spring
- Keep soil moist for 2 weeks
- Germination occurs in 7–14 days
seeds
- Tuck seeds into prepared soil in early spring.
- Water gently and keep moist for 6 weeks.
Trifolium questions
How many types of Trifolium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Trifolium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 181 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Trifolium grow in?
Across its varieties, Trifolium covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Trifolium bloom?
Most Trifolium varieties bloom in late spring to mid-summer, late spring, spring to summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Trifolium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.