Nowadays, the many species of different genera that are similar in their growth habit and the characteristic appearance of the leaves are called "Clover". However, there are differences between the different types of clover when it comes to frost tolerance.

Red and white clover are absolutely hardy

Overwinter the lucky clover properly

At the turn of the year, potted specimens of the lucky clover are often given away, whose botanical name Oxalis tetraphylla already suggests the four-leaf clover leaves on these plants. In contrast to other types of clover, the lucky clover is very sensitive to longer periods of frost well below zero. Therefore, this plant can hardly be overwintered outdoors in this country. The specimens grown especially for the turn of the year usually still have green leaves and can be overwintered in a bright spot indoors. But if the lucky clover has been on the terrace or balcony over the summer, it will usually let the leaves wither and fall into a kind of hibernation. Then its location should meet the following criteria:

  • cool but frost-free
  • dark
  • little water
  • no fertilizer

Hardy clover varieties

Types of clover used as animal feed, such as red clover (Trifolium pratense) and white clover (Trifolium repens), are hardy in most locations without any problems. Frost damage is rare in these clover species. However, certain diseases can lead to symptoms that, to the layperson, can appear like typical frost damage. The so-called horn clover (Lotus corniculatus) is also hardy, it can show its advantages especially on dry soil. Persian clover, on the other hand, is not hardy, although it is often used as green manure for precisely this reason.

Choose the right time for sowing the green manure

Some gardeners leave the clover in the bed as green manure over the winter, as the soil is better protected against heavy autumn rain and other weather influences. However, so that red clover, for example, is sufficiently developed by the onset of winter, it should be sown by September at the latest. In principle, the timing of green manuring also depends on how long the clover is to grow at a location and when it is to be worked into the soil.

tips

When buying lucky clover, pay attention to the temperature at the point of sale: If the clover that has grown in the pot has been standing outside at a sales stand for a long time in freezing temperatures, it will probably not be able to serve as an ornament on the windowsill of the recipient for much longer.

Category:

Herbs