Strawberry clover
Trifolium fragiferum · Fabaceae
📷 Christian Fischer · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant strawberry clover: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Trifolium fragiferum
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Type
- Perennial herbaceous plant
- Mature height
- 25 cm
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- May to July
- Hardiness
- Very hardy
- Origin
- Europe, Mediterranean
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Effective ground cover clover for arid, well-draining areas. Low maintenance: just let it spread.
The common mistake
Isolating it in a dedicated bed when it works best integrated into natural meadows or between pavers.
The pro's trick
Sow it in autumn or very early spring mixed with fine grasses: it fixes nitrogen and naturally enriches the soil.
Care
Light exposure
Strawberry clover appreciates sunny locations for optimal flowering. However, it tolerates partial shade quite well. Install it in an open location, sheltered from strong winds if grown in a container.
Watering
Keep the soil lightly moist during active growth, without excess which would promote rot. During dry summer periods, water regularly to support flowering. Once established, it tolerates short dry spells.
Soil
Prefer well-draining, moderately fertile soil. Strawberry clover adapts to ordinary soils, even chalky or slightly depleted ones. Avoid overly compact or regularly asphyxiating substrates.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is essential, as this Fabaceae naturally fixes atmospheric nitrogen. Light compost in spring is sufficient for container-grown plants. Avoid overly rich fertilizers that would promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and cleanup
No formal pruning is required. Simply remove spent flowers after flowering to extend flower production. Clean up any dry or damaged parts in spring.
Diseases and pests
This plant is generally very robust and rarely susceptible to pests. Watch for excessive moisture which could promote fungal rot. If problems arise, improve air circulation and reduce watering rather than resorting to chemical treatments.
Did you know?
Strawberry clover gets its common name from the distinctive shape of its flower heads which become red and swollen after flowering, resembling tiny strawberries. This plant was once highly prized in natural meadows of the Mediterranean region and served as forage for livestock. As a legume, it naturally enriches soils with nitrogen, making it an excellent choice for ecological farming or fertility-boosting ground covers.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Chinese wisteriaWisteria sinensis
- Common broomCytisus scoparius
- Black locustRobinia pseudoacacia
- Common PeaLathyrus oleraceus
- Honey locustGleditsia triacanthos
- Hairy greenweedGenista pilosa
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.