Botanical Name: Trifolium repens Atropurpureum
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Common Name: Bronze Dutch Clover; Black-leaved C  
Plant photo of: Trifolium repens Atropurpureum
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Water Saving Tip:

Even though it's hot, your lawn only needs to be watered twice a week to stay healthy.

And don't water the whole lawn for a brown spot—drag out a hose.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green, Purple, Variegated

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Fast

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees, Invasive

Design Styles

English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Lawn, Parking Strip, Walkways

 

Special Uses

Filler, Mass Planting, Lawn Alternative

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

This wonderful selection of the common creeping clover makes a handsome edging or groundcover plant. Foliage is three or four-leaved, dark purple-black with a green margin. White flowers appear briefly in early summer. Because of its vigorous habit, do not plant next to slow-growing perennials that might get smothered. May be used as a lawn substitute and mowed at any time to the desired height. Grows 3 to 4 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide.
Grow in full sun to part shade in well drained soil. Will grow in sandy or clay soils. Tolerates moderately alkaline conditions. Attracts bees when in bloom. Trim back hard in midsummer to rejuvenate the foliage, if plants begins to look scruffy. Easily divided in spring or fall. Hardy to Zone 4.