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Gardening

White Clover: The Ultimate Guide to Growing, Care, and Benefits

by Keira
written by Keira

White Clover: A Comprehensive Guide

Overview

White clover (Trifolium repens) is a widely distributed herbaceous perennial that is often found in lawns and meadows. It is a member of the pea family (Fabaceae) and is known for its spreading habit, forming dense mats across the ground.

Characteristics

  • Common Name: White clover
  • Botanical Name: Trifolium repens
  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Mature Size: 0.25-0.50 ft. tall, 1-1.50 ft. wide
  • Sun Exposure: Full, partial
  • Soil Type: Well-drained, moist
  • Soil pH: Acidic
  • Bloom Time: Spring, summer
  • Flower Color: White
  • Hardiness Zones: 3-10 (USDA)
  • Native Area: Europe

Benefits

  • Nitrogen-fixing: White clover is a nitrogen-fixer, meaning it can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that is usable by plants. This makes it a valuable companion plant for other crops.
  • Drought tolerance: White clover is more drought-tolerant than many turfgrasses, making it a good choice for areas with limited water availability.
  • Low maintenance: White clover requires minimal care, including infrequent mowing and no need for fertilizer.
  • Erosion control: The dense mats formed by white clover help to hold soil in place, preventing erosion.

Drawbacks

  • Invasiveness: White clover can spread aggressively, potentially becoming a weed in some areas.
  • Toxicity to horses: While the white clover plant itself is non-toxic, it can harbor a fungus that is toxic to horses.

Types of White Clover

In addition to the wild plant, there are several improved varieties of white clover available, including:

  • Micro clover: Sh shorter, with smaller leaves
  • ‘Atropurpureum’: Sports chocolate-brown foliage with green margins
  • ‘Dragon’s Blood’: Bears tricolored leaves (green, red, and white)

Propagation

White clover can be propagated by several methods:

  • stolons: Cuttings of stolons (runners) can be planted to create new plants.
  • seeds: White clover seeds can be sown directly in the soil in spring or summer.

Growing from Seeds

  • Rake the soil to prepare the seedbed.
  • Scatter the seeds evenly over the area.
  • Water the seeds thoroughly.
  • Keep the area moist until the seeds germinate, which typically takes 2-10 days.

Care

White clover is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care:

  • Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
  • Fertilizing: White clover does not require fertilizer.
  • Mowing: Mow infrequently, only when necessary to control its spread.

Common Pests and Diseases

White clover is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by:

  • Clover root rot: A fungal disease that causes the roots to rot.
  • Clover aphids: Small, green insects that feed on the leaves.
  • Clover mites: Tiny, reddish-brown mites that feed on the plant sap.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How fast does white clover grow? White clover grows quickly, spreading by stolons and producing new plants.
  • When does white clover bloom? White clover blooms in the spring and early summer.
  • Does white clover attract butterflies? Yes, white clover is a popular food source for butterflies and other pollinators.
  • Is white clover a weed? White clover can be considered a weed in some areas due to its invasive tendencies. However, it can also be beneficial as a ground cover and nitrogen-fixer.
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Home and Garden

Buffalo Grass: A Drought-Tolerant, Low-Maintenance Lawn Solution

by Keira
written by Keira

Buffalo Grass: A Low-Maintenance Lawn Option for Drought-Prone Areas

What Is Buffalo Grass?

Buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) is a warm-season grass native to North America. It is known for its drought tolerance, low-maintenance requirements, and attractive appearance. Buffalo grass forms dense clumps, reaching 8 inches in height and 12 inches in width. Its long roots make it an excellent choice for erosion control on hillsides.

Pros and Cons of Buffalo Grass

Pros:

  • Extremely hardy
  • Very drought-tolerant
  • Native to North America
  • Attracts wildlife if allowed to flower
  • Suitable choice for a natural look that doesn’t need mowing
  • Tolerates heat well
  • Soft, easy on bare feet, great for pool areas

Cons:

  • Warm-season grass will not look good during the cold months
  • Forms dense clumps, not a uniform lawn
  • Not shade-tolerant
  • Holds up only moderately well to foot traffic
  • Not a smooth surface like other types of lawn grass

Planting Buffalo Grass

Starting a buffalo grass lawn from scratch requires careful preparation. The soil should be tested and amended as needed. You can start buffalo grass from seed, plugs, or sod.

  • Seed: Buffalo grass seed will not germinate until the soil temperature reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It is best to sow the seed in the spring or summer. Keep the soil moist but not drenched.
  • Plugs: Plugs are a more expensive option, but they will establish a lawn more quickly. Space the plugs 5-12 inches apart and keep the soil moist until they become established.
  • Sod: Sod is the quickest and easiest way to install a buffalo grass lawn. Simply roll out the sod and keep the soil moist until the root system has taken hold.

Care and Maintenance for Buffalo Grass

Buffalo grass is a low-maintenance lawn once it is established. It requires infrequent mowing, and can even be left untouched for a natural look. Fertilize buffalo grass twice a year with 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet. Control weeds by using a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring.

Cost of Buffalo Grass

The cost of buffalo grass depends on the method of installation. Seed is the most affordable option, followed by plugs and sod.

  • Seed: A pound of buffalo grass seed costs about $50 and covers about 330 square feet.
  • Plugs: The average cost of a plug of a quality cultivar of buffalo grass is $1.
  • Sod: Sod is sold by the pallet. For a quality cultivar, sod will typically sell for about $250 per pallet, which will cover approximately 450 square feet.

Is Buffalo Grass Right for My Lawn?

Buffalo grass is a good choice for lawns in drought-prone areas, or for those who want a low-maintenance lawn. It is not suitable for shady areas or for lawns that receive heavy foot traffic.

Benefits of Buffalo Grass

Buffalo grass offers several benefits over other types of lawn grass:

  • Drought tolerance: Buffalo grass can survive on very little rainfall, making it a good choice for areas with limited water resources.
  • Low maintenance: Buffalo grass requires infrequent mowing and watering, making it a good choice for busy homeowners.
  • Erosion control: Buffalo grass’s long roots make it an excellent choice for erosion control on hillsides.
  • Wildlife habitat: Buffalo grass attracts wildlife, such as birds and butterflies, if it is allowed to flower.

Disadvantages of Buffalo Grass

Buffalo grass also has some disadvantages:

  • Warm-season grass: Buffalo grass will not look good during the cold months.
  • Not shade-tolerant: Buffalo grass does not grow well in shady areas.
  • Not uniform lawn: Buffalo grass forms dense clumps, which can make it look less uniform than other types of lawn grass.

Overall, buffalo grass is a low-maintenance lawn option that is well-suited to drought-prone areas. It is important to consider the pros and cons of buffalo grass before deciding if it is the right choice for your lawn.

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Gardening

10 Drought-Tolerant Stonecrop Varieties for Low-Maintenance Ground Cover

by Keira
written by Keira

10 Low-Maintenance Stonecrop Varieties for Drought-Tolerant Ground Cover

Stonecrops, also known as sedums, are low-growing, drought-tolerant perennials that make excellent ground cover plants in hot, arid areas. They not only tolerate dry, rocky soil but positively thrive in it. A bonus is that stonecrops are generally deer-resistant.

Popular Stonecrop Varieties for Ground Cover

  1. White Sedum (Sedum album): This variety has white flowers and green foliage that turns reddish in autumn. It blooms in summer and is an excellent ground cover for thin, poor soils or rocky embankments.

  2. ‘Murale’ Sedum (Sedum album ‘Murale’): ‘Murale’ is a sedum cultivar with bronze foliage and pink flowers that bloom in early summer and attract butterflies.

  3. Cascade Stonecrop (Sedum divergens): This perennial species blooms with yellow flowers in midsummer. The leaves are green but show a reddish tinge in full sun.

  4. Pink Mongolian Stonecrop (Hylotelephium ewersii): Once categorized as Sedum ewersii, this small ground cover plant blooms in late summer with pink flowers. The leaves are blue-gray.

  5. ‘Blue Spruce’ Sedum (Sedum reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ or S. rupestre ‘Blue Spruce’): Named for its bluish needle-like foliage, this fast-growing plant produces a blanket of small yellow flowers in mid to late summer.

  6. Japanese Stonecrop (Hylotelephium sieboldii): This plant has silver-blue leaves with distinctive red edges and hot-pink flowers that appear in fall.

  7. ‘Purple Emperor’ Sedum (Hylotelephium telephium ‘Purple Emperor’): ‘Purple Emperor’ has plum foliage and pink inflorescence that complement plants with silver foliage or yellow flowers.

  8. ‘Angelina’ Stonecrop (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’): ‘Angelina’ is a gold-leaved sedum that turns bronze in cold weather. Tiny yellow flowers appear throughout the summer.

  9. Chinese Sedum (Sedum tetractinum ‘Coral Reef’): ‘Coral Reef’ is a cultivar with a warm yellowish color. Tiny white or pink flowers appear in July and August.

  10. Russian Stonecrop (Sedum kamtschaticum): This variety has deep green leaves and golden yellow flowers that appear in late summer. The foliage turns into an attractive bronze in the fall.

Planting and Care

Stonecrops are easy to grow and require minimal care. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates. Plant them in well-drained soil and water them only when the soil is dry to the touch. Stonecrops are drought-tolerant and do not require fertilizer.

Benefits of Stonecrop Ground Cover

  • Drought tolerance
  • Low maintenance
  • Deer resistance
  • Attractive foliage and flowers
  • Can be used to fill in spaces in rock gardens or chinks in stone walls
  • Can be used as a transition between low-sprawling evergreens
  • Can add color to shady areas

Additional Tips

  • Stonecrops are easy to propagate from stem cuttings.
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new growth.
  • Divide overgrown plants in spring or fall.
  • Stonecrops are generally pest- and disease-free.
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Gardening

Sourwood Tree: A Versatile Ornamental for Small Spaces | Growing and Care Guide

by Keira
written by Keira

Sourwood: A Versatile Ornamental Tree for Small Spaces

Ornamental Appeal

The sourwood tree (Oxydendrum arboreum) is a charming ornamental tree that adds beauty to any landscape. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces, and its versatility allows it to thrive in various light conditions. Despite its low-maintenance nature, the sourwood tree offers a stunning display of foliage throughout the seasons.

Botanical Characteristics

  • Family: Ericaceae
  • Type: Deciduous tree
  • Mature Size: 20-25 ft. tall, 10-25 ft. wide
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun, part shade, shade
  • Soil Type: Moist, organically rich, well-drained
  • Soil pH: Acidic
  • Bloom Time: June-July
  • Flower Color: White
  • Hardiness Zones: USDA 5-9
  • Native Area: Eastern and southern United States

Cultural Requirements

Light: The sourwood tree is adaptable to various light conditions, from full sun to shade. However, it may experience slightly reduced fall color and blooms in low light.

Soil: This tree prefers acidic, organically rich, moist, and well-drained soils. It thrives in the conditions found on forest floors, where decaying leaves create a nutrient-rich environment.

Water: Sourwood trees are relatively drought-tolerant, but they benefit from supplemental watering during extreme dry spells. Newly transplanted trees require regular watering to establish themselves.

Temperature and Humidity: Native to the Appalachian Mountains, the sourwood tree enjoys cooler temperatures and can tolerate the humidity of the eastern seaboard. It is best suited to USDA hardiness zones 5-9.

Fertilizer: Avoid fertilizing sourwood trees during their first five years of growth, as this can stimulate limb growth and weaken the branches. If bloom production is low, soil testing can identify nutrient deficiencies that can be addressed with targeted fertilization.

Types of Sourwood Trees

Unlike many ornamental trees, the sourwood has limited cultivars available in the nursery trade. However, there are a few exceptional varieties that offer unique characteristics:

  • Oxydendrum arboreum ‘Albomarginatum’: Features white leaf margins and exceptional autumn color.
  • Oxydendrum arboreum ‘Chameleon’: Displays vibrant fall foliage in shades of red, purple, and yellow.
  • Oxydendrum arboreum ‘Mt. Charm’: Known for its early and bright autumn colors and symmetrical habit.

Pruning

Sourwood trees are slow-growing and require minimal pruning. Annual pruning in the fall can help establish a single leader and narrow crown.

Pests and Diseases

The sourwood tree is remarkably resistant to serious pests and diseases. Most issues that arise are minor and can be easily overlooked.

Sourwood Sorrel

The leaves of the sourwood tree are edible and have a distinctive sour taste. They can be enjoyed in salads or used as a garnish.

Bees and Sourwood

Sourwood trees are attractive to bees, and the honey produced from their flowers is highly prized by beekeepers. Sourwood honey is known for its unique, sweet flavor and is often sold at a premium.

Additional Benefits

  • Native Plant: The sourwood tree is native to North America, providing food and shelter for wildlife.
  • Environmental Benefits: Sourwood trees contribute to air purification and carbon sequestration.
  • Landscaping Uses: The sourwood tree is a versatile ornamental that can be used as a specimen plant, focal point, or backdrop for native perennials.
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