Trifolium repens Pentaphyllum

Trifolium repens 'Pentaphyllum' is a variety of clover. It is distinguished by its purple-violet foliage, sometimes tinged with black, regularly marginated with green, it is particularly ornamental. This perennial plant is very hardy, easy to grow in moist soil, and quickly forms a beautiful groundcover, sometimes a bit suffocating for its more delicate neighbours. It briefly flowers in summer, in the form of white-greenish ovoid spikes. Comfortable in almost all climates, this very unique clover is ideal for borders and slightly wild slopes, as it keeps weeds under control. Its use is also very interesting in flower pots.

Clovers belong to the large family Fabaceae. The genus Trifolium includes nearly 200 species found on all continents, except for Australia. T. repens is native and widespread throughout Europe, as well as North America, except for boreal zones. This perennial adapts to all types of soils, even limestone and clay soils. The 'Pentaphyllum' form differs from the species by the purple colour of its foliage. The plant forms a very carpeting and dense clump, 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8in) high, widening over time through creeping stems that root at the nodes. The flowering, quite discreet, takes place in June-July. The small pleasantly scented flowers, white-greenish, sometimes pinkish, 1 cm (0.5 in) long, are erect and gathered in heads initially globular, then oval, at the end of floral stems just protruding from the foliage. The foliage, more or less evergreen, is composed of leaves divided into 4 entire leaflets, rounded, with dentate margin, purple in colour with a tender green edge. The fruit, a pod, contains seeds that easily self-sow in light soil.

Trifolium repens 'Pentaphyllum' is a very easy to grow perennial plant in our climates and requires no maintenance. Its natural charm works wonders in borders and country-style flowerbeds, and proves very useful for reducing maintenance in not too dense shrub beds, highlighting a pathway, or covering a slightly neglected slope. However, care must be taken not to associate it with small fragile or less vigorous perennials, such as some alpine plants that it would suffocate. It is valuable for bees and helps enrich the soil in which it is planted. It can also advantageously replace lawns in areas that are not heavily walked on. It can be planted in flower pots, to accompany annuals or vigorous perennials such as colourful foliage Ipomoeas, Tradescantia, geraniums, or petunias.