Microclover and dwarf clover: what is the difference
Turfs: their purpose and the most common varieties
Turfs are an excellent solution to make outdoor areas more pleasant, welcoming and aesthetically pleasing: there are several herbaceous species used for these purposes that differ from each other in height, strength and color. Generally we opt for plants that belong to the Gramineae: they are the most widespread species and have been used for years, as they quickly produce a compact, long-lasting, resistant and easily walkable turf. However, especially in case we want to achieve a specific or different result than usual, there are several valid alternatives. These solutions are recommended in situations in where the classic Graminacee are not very suitable, due to the climate or the composition of the soil: among these Trifolium Repens, dwarf clover, is of great importance.
Dwarf clover: its characteristics and the cultivation methods
The dwarf clover has a maximum height of 10 cm from the ground: therefore, the lawn won’t need regular cutting or maintenance.
In this way the final result is easier and simpler to manage. Dwarf clover is characterized for being a ground cover plant, which allows it to have an actual compact, dense and fast developing turf. This grassy species is a valid alternative to both Gramineae and Dichondra, another herbaceous plant for low maintenance turfs: there are many varieties which differ in characteristics and developments methods.
Consequently you can adapt the solution that best suits your needs.
The lawn blooms in spring, so that it will have an aesthetically pleasing solution; at the same time, seeds are spread to make the turf even richer than the previous season. Dwarf clover belongs to the Legumes (Fabaceae) and therefore, bacteria that fix the nitrogen of the air in the soil have nested among the roots: consequently it is not necessary to fertilize, to replenish the nutrients in the soil.
On the contrary, the state of the area improves over the years. At the same time, the lawn must not be watered often because the plant prefers dry zones, even though the development occurs without any problems in any type of soil. Moreover, it is not affected by being placed in the sun or in the shade.
It is preferable to carry out the sowing in the month of april. Seeds of this species can be easily found in various different shops, from garden centres to nurseries and floricultures; alternatively, the purchase can be done online.
Microclover: the characteristics of the species
The Microclover is a variety of the common Trifolium repens and it differs from all the others for its really high ground cover abilities and for having a reduced height. Its bearing allows to avoid cuttings and therefore the turf is low maintenance.
It is a perennial and very resistant species: in fact, it is not affected by summer’s drought and always maintains a soft and pleasant look. Generally, the lawn is not very walkable, but is very dense as the plant has a creeping trend. The microclover, among other things, belongs to the legumes genre and therefore, can adapt perfectly to the various types of soil and climate.
At the same time the roots carry out two simultaneous actions: they replenish nitrogen in the soil and are perfect to practice a soil treatment action.
This is why they are suitable for embankments and slopes. The best time to sow the microclover is spring, even if great results can be achieved in autumn too.
First, the soil is prepared up to a depth of 20-25 centimeters using a spade; then the surface is levelled using a rake. At this point, we carry out the broadcasting of microclover, being careful not to spread the elements evenly with cross passages. Then the soil is rolled and watered regularly until the seedlings are not developed.