The best clovers for a Utah lawn are white clover, red clover, and microclover, all valued for their exceptional drought tolerance and resistance to pests. However, each landscape is unique, so the right clover variety for you will depend on your lawn’s specific conditions.
Clover is an excellent alternative to traditional turfgrass, particularly in Utah, thanks to its drought and weed resistance. Like turfgrass, clover comes in different varieties, so choosing the right one is key.
White clover
White clover is the most common clover type used for ground cover in domestic lawns. It’s a fast-growing, cool-season plant that grows low to the ground. As a perennial, it regrows each spring after winter dieback.
White clover owes its popularity to its exceptional drought tolerance, making it an excellent choice for Utah landscapes. It’s also very low maintenance and can tolerate full sunlight to partial shade. Additionally, this clover thrives in a wide variety of soil types.
Utahns planting white clover should keep in mind that it is somewhat sensitive to salinity. A white clover lawn typically lasts three to five years before needing to be reseeded. White clover does best in the USDA Hardiness Zones 6a to 9b, so it comfortably grows in many areas of Utah, except for the northeastern corner.
Red clover
Red clover is another common clover type in Utah. Just like white clover, it’s a cool-season perennial that establishes very quickly. However, red clover tends to grow taller and thicker than white clover, so it may not be right for homeowners aiming for a neater lawn.
This clover variety is also drought-tolerant and requires very little maintenance. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and thrives in just about any soil as long as it is well-drained, notably tolerating acidic soil.
Red clover is somewhat vulnerable to fungal diseases, such as stem rot. It doesn’t last as long as white clover, requiring reseeding after about two to three years. It grows best in the USDA Zones 4a to 8b, allowing it to thrive in a wider range of Utah than white clover.
Microclover
Next, we have Microclover, a cultivar of white clover. This cool-season perennial is commonly used as ground cover in lawns. Microclover is smaller and more compact than the typical white clover, giving it a neater look.
Like other clovers, Microclover is drought tolerant (though not as much as white clover) and low maintenance. It can tolerate some shade but grows best in full sun. Additionally, Microclover can thrive in various soil types, doing especially well in loamy soil, but it does not perform well in sandy soil.
Homeowners planting Microclover should remember that it is quite sensitive to herbicides. While clover is generally weed-resistant, it’s still possible for some weeds to pop up, and it can be challenging to eliminate them without harming your Microclover lawn. Microclover grows well in the USDA zones 2 to 9, meaning that it can grow almost anywhere in Utah.
Strawberry clover
Finally, we have Strawberry Clover, a perennial cool-season clover type with small white or pink flowers. It grows very similarly to white clover, staying compact and low to the ground. As its name implies, strawberry clover produces fruit that you can harvest and eat if you’re inclined.
Strawberry clover thrives in full sun, is low maintenance, and has a low potential for disease. It is also more flexible when it comes to soil, tolerating poor nutrients, waterlogged soil, high salinity, and alkaline pH levels.
Unfortunately, strawberry clover’s drought tolerance is not as strong as other clover types. While it can tolerate short-term drought, it doesn’t do well during prolonged dry spells. On the plus side, strawberry clover is very attractive to birds, so it’s a good choice if you want to attract some new feathered friends to your landscape.
FAQ about clover in Utah
What is the ideal time to plant clover in Utah?
The best time of year to plant clover in Utah is in April when the temperature and rainfall are ideal. The second best time is September or October, while the worst time is during the summer.
What are some benefits of a clover lawn in Utah?
Clover lawns are highly drought-tolerant, giving them an advantage in Utah’s dry climate. They also attract and benefit pollinators, including bees, which give Utah its nickname, the Beehive State. Check out Lawn Love’s “9 Reasons Why a Clover Lawn is Better Than a Grass Lawn” and “Benefits of Planting Clover in Your Yard” for more information.
Does clover like full sunlight?
Yes, most species of clover like full sunlight, though many can also handle partial shade. While every type of clover is different, clover is generally more shade-tolerant than turfgrass.
Hire a lawn care pro
While white clover is an excellent choice for Utah lawns, it may not be the best option for everyone. Carefully consider the pros and cons of each clover species to find the best one for your landscape.
If you need assistance with lawn care, contact qualified lawn care pros near you. We will take care of your lawn, whether you’re growing clover or turfgrass.
Main Image Credit: hedera.baltica | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0
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