African Clover Plant Care

African Clover (Parochetus africanus) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Parochetus genus. African Clover is native to the mountains of Asia and tropical Africa, and has been introduced to New Zealand. African Clover is also known as Shamrock Pea.

African Clover displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. African Clover produces small blue pea-like flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African Clover every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

African Clover thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing African Clover in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Parochetus africanus tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. African Clover prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for African Clover to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African Clover every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African Clover is suited to USDA Zone 8a – 10b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

African Clover can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune African Clover while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

African Clover is hardy down to USDA zone 8a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

African Clover can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to shamrock pea plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

African Clover is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

African Clover grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. African Clover is native to the mountains of Asia and tropical Africa, and has been introduced to New Zealand.