Purple Four-Leaf Clover (Trifolium repens 'Purpurascens Quadrifolium')

Purple Four-Leaf Clover

Trifolium repens 'Purpurascens Quadrifolium'

Purple-tinged leaves hold lucky charm lore, a low-growing ground cover. Variegated perennial clover.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; full sun enhances purple foliage coloration
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Watering Water when top 2 cm of soil dries; drought-tolerant once established
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Temperature Cold-hardy to -15°C; withstands mild summer heat without scorching
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Trifoliate (often quadrifoliate) foliage with purple marbling on green rounded leaflets
  • Flower: Small, spherical white inflorescences with mild honeyed fragrance
  • Stem: Creeping stolons that root at nodes to spread horizontally
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth periods

Fertilization

Light balanced feed once monthly. Use diluted organic feed to avoid foliage burn

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface and water in to release nutrients gradually
Pruning
  • Mow lightly to maintain a compact, neat habit when used as a lawn alternative
  • Trim back overgrown stolons in late spring to control spread
  • Remove faded flower heads to promote tidier growth and prevent self-seeding
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no known adverse effects

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; safe for consumption in small quantities

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Four-leaf variants are widely associated with good fortune; purple foliage adds ornamental contrast to green landscapes

Usage: Ground cover, low-maintenance lawn alternative, rock garden accent