Overview

Bituminaria bituminosa is a plant with a semi-shrubby, dense growth habit in the genus Bituminaria, part of the Fabaceae family, with gray-green, trifoliate leaves foliage. Bituminaria bituminosa grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include drought-tolerant planting and mediterranean-style gardens.

About

Bituminaria bituminosa, commonly known as bitumen trefoil or treacle clover, is a semi-shrubby plant with dense growth typical of the Fabaceae family. It features gray-green, trifoliate leaves and thrives in full sun, ideally in a south-facing, sheltered position. This cultivar prefers fertile, well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH and is well-suited to drought-tolerant and Mediterranean-style gardens. It is hardy to UK zone H3 and is best appreciated during spring and summer. Propagation can be achieved through seed or cuttings.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Bituminaria

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H3

Plant details

Bituminaria bituminosa size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Semi-shrubby, dense growth

Foliage

Gray-green, trifoliate leaves

Suggested uses

Drought-tolerant planting, Mediterranean-style gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Bituminaria bituminosa

Propagation

Seed, cuttings

Pest resistance

Generally pest-resistant

Disease resistance

Generally disease-resistant

Frequently asked questions