White Clover 'Purpurascens Quadrifolium'

This ornamental relative of the common field clover is a delightful and underestimated ground cover for British gardens. 'Purpurascens Quadrifolium' is particularly striking for its dark, chocolate-purple foliage, with each leaf famously bearing four leaflets edged in a thin rim of emerald green. It spreads via creeping runners to form a dense, low-matted carpet that is surprisingly tough and can handle light foot traffic. In summer, it produces globose, white flower heads that are a magnet for bees and other pollinators, adding a touch of cottage-garden charm. It is very hardy and performs best in full sun, which keeps the leaf colour intense. It is an excellent choice for a 'living mulch' between paving stones or at the front of a sunny border. It fixes nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit neighbouring plants, and requires very little maintenance once established.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Any well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.