PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; produces the most blooms in direct sunlight, tolerates light shade in hot climates
Watering
Water when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot and fungal growth
Temperature
Tolerates mild frost down to 5°C; thrives in cool to temperate temperatures, avoids extreme heat above 28°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Trifoliate, clover-like, bright green, folds at night in response to light
- Flower: Bright yellow, five-petaled, cup-shaped, opens only in full sunlight
- Bulbs: Small, fleshy underground bulbs spread aggressively to form dense colonies
Care Guide
Watering
Reduce watering as blooms fade to encourage bulb dormancy
Fertilization
Apply diluted, balanced feed once every 4 weeks. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms
Composted coffee grounds tea：Use fully composted coffee grounds to avoid acidity burn; dilute 1:30 with water for soil drench, and avoid applying directly to foliagePruning
- Deadhead spent blooms to prevent aggressive self-seeding and reduce spread
- Dig up excess underground bulbs in late spring to control colony size
- Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic due to soluble oxalates; may cause gastrointestinal distress and kidney irritation
Humans: Mild oral irritation if ingested in large quantities; no long-term health risks for most adults
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental groundcover in controlled settings; considered an invasive weed in many regions due to aggressive bulb spread
