Photo: zebedeugalinhaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Subterranean Clover Plant Care
Trifolium subterraneum L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Trifolium subterraneum is a clover species with unique underground stems called rhizomes. Originally from Australia, its distinctive feature is the clover-like leaves with silvery undersides, making it a sought-after addition for plant collectors looking for unusual and visually appealing species.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Subterranean Clover?
Water Subterranean Clover every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Subterranean Clover Native To?
- Albania
- Algeria
- Angola
- Armenia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Benin
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Bulgaria
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Djibouti
- DR Congo
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Estonia
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Finland
- France
- Gabon
- Georgia
- Germany
- Ghana
- Greece
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Malta
- Mauritania
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Oman
- Palestine
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Republic of the Congo
- Romania
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Sierra Leone
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Spain
- Sudan
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Syria
- Tanzania
- The Gambia
- The Netherlands
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Türkiye
- UAE
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
What Is the Subterranean Clover?
Subterranean Clover (Trifolium subterraneum) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Trifolium genus. Subterranean Clover is native to Europe, Southwest Asia, Northwest Africa and Macaronesia. Subterranean Clover is also known as Subclover.
Subterranean Clover displays a low-growing spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Subterranean Clover produces small rounded flower clusters in white, pink, or red.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Subterranean Clover?
Trifolium subterraneum requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Subterranean Clover Need?
Subterranean Clover thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Subterranean Clover Prefer?
Trifolium subterraneum grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Subterranean Clover prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Subterranean Clover?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Subterranean Clover to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Subterranean Clover?
Feed Subterranean Clover every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Subterranean Clover?
Divide and replant every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Subterranean Clover?
Subterranean Clover can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to purple clover plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Subterranean Clover Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Subterranean Clover, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Subterranean Clover?
Subterranean Clover is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, clover mites. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Subterranean Clover Need?
Subterranean Clover grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Subterranean Clover is native to Europe, Southwest Asia, Northwest Africa and Macaronesia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Subterranean Clover is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Trifolium genus — compare its care with other Trifolium species on PlantoScan.
Trifolium is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Subterranean Clover thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Trifolium Species
Other Trifolium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Trifolium subterraneum L., family Fabaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 767 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Subterranean Clover, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: zebedeugalinha, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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