About

A low-growing, creeping perennial forming a spreading mat of leaves divided into four leaflets and coloured deep purple to bronze with green margins. Clusters of small, creamy-white flowers are borne on short stems in summer.

About the genus

Trifolium are erect or creeping annuals, biennials and herbaceous perennials with trefoil leaves and small, pea-like flowers usually in clusters or short spikes

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Patio and container plants

Care notes

CultivationGrows best in well-drained, limy soil conditions in full sun or partial shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to pea and bean weevil
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free