Quck answer
Clover can be a stubborn weed that invades flower beds. To effectively kill clover in a flower bed, follow these steps:
1. Identify the clover: Clover has distinctive three-leaf clusters and grows low to the ground.
2. Manual removal: Hand-pull the clover, making sure to remove the entire root system. Dispose of the plants to prevent reseeding.
3. Mulch: Apply a thick layer of mulch around your flowers. This will smother any remaining clover and prevent new seeds from germinating.
4. Herbicides: If the infestation is severe, consider using a selective herbicide specifically designed to target clover. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your flowers.
5. Regular maintenance: Keep your flower bed well-maintained by regularly weeding and monitoring for any new clover growth.
By following these steps, you can effectively kill clover in your flower bed and maintain a healthy and weed-free garden.
When clover (Trifolium spp.) infiltrates a flower bed, it competes with flowers for vital resources such as water and nutrients. However, there are effective ways to control its growth, including digging, using mulch, and applying herbicides. White clover (Trifolium repens) is a common weed found in flower beds and lawns. This perennial clover species thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 10, growing to a height of 3 to 6 inches and spreading up to 12 to 18 inches wide. It produces white, globe-shaped flowers in late spring, which lead to self-seeding, and spreads rapidly through creeping stems.
Manual Removal of Clover
Regular manual weeding is an effective way to control clover in a flower bed over time. Clover has shallow roots, making it easy to remove by grasping the center of the plant and using a trowel to lift the entire root system out of the soil. It is important to remove all clover plants from the flower bed and thoroughly check underneath low, spreading flowers for young, small clover plants.
A flower bed that has been infested with clover for more than one season will likely contain a large number of clover seeds, as well as small root or stem fragments that can grow into new plants. Therefore, it is important to regularly inspect the flower bed and remove any clover plants that appear.
Utilize Landscape Fabric and Mulch
Using landscape fabric that allows water to permeate, along with organic or nonorganic mulches, can help control clover growth in a flower bed. Clover struggles to survive when it is covered with landscape fabric and a thick layer of mulch that blocks out sunlight.
To remove existing clover plants from the flower bed, dig or pull them up and then spread landscape fabric over the bare soil between the flowers. Apply a 3-inch layer of shredded bark, leaf mold, compost, or another organic mulch over the fabric. Alternatively, spread a 1- to 2-inch layer of gravel or another nonorganic mulch. It is important not to pile the mulch against the flower stems, as this can lead to rotting. Regularly check the flower bed every two or three weeks and remove any clover plants that appear along the edges of the mulch.
Application of Postemergent Herbicides
Postemergent herbicides can effectively control clover in a flower bed, but it is crucial to use them carefully to avoid harming the flowers. Glyphosate is a type of postemergent herbicide that works by reaching the roots of the clover plant. Before spraying, protect the flowers by covering them with plastic or thick paper bags and securing the bases with twine.
On a dry and calm day, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, safety goggles, and gloves. Spray the clover plants with a ready-to-use 2 percent glyphosate herbicide. Wait until the glyphosate has dried before removing the coverings from the flowers. It may take up to two weeks for the glyphosate to take effect, and you may need to spray persistent clover plants multiple times.
Application of Preemergent Herbicides
Clover seeds in the soil can sprout and reinfect a cleared flower bed, but preemergent herbicides can provide control. It is important to note that preemergent herbicides can also prevent flower seeds from sprouting and may damage young plants. Therefore, they should only be used in an established flower bed.
Wearing protective clothing, apply a ready-to-use preemergent herbicide to the surface of the soil, making sure to avoid contact with the flowers. Apply the herbicide at a rate of 7 1/2 to 9 ounces per 100 square feet. Water the flower bed with 1/2 inch of water to activate the herbicide.
