Troubleshooting
White Clover problems — and how to fix them
White Clover (Trifolium repens) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Crown clover rot (Sclerotinia trifoliorum)
A soil-borne fungal disease causing stems to collapse at ground level in cool, wet conditions. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering. Rotate with non-legume plantings if the disease recurs.
Clover mites and whitefly
Tiny red mites or whitefly can infest plants in hot, dry spells. Keep plants well-watered and encourage natural predators. Severe infestations can be managed with insecticidal soap.
Chlorosis in highly acidic soil
Yellowing leaves may indicate soil pH is too low, preventing nutrient uptake. Apply garden lime to raise pH toward neutral and restore healthy green growth.
Prevent white clover problems before they start
Most white clover issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
White Clover problems — FAQ
Why is my white clover crown clover rot (sclerotinia trifoliorum)?
A soil-borne fungal disease causing stems to collapse at ground level in cool, wet conditions. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering. Rotate with non-legume plantings if the disease recurs.
Why is my white clover clover mites and whitefly?
Tiny red mites or whitefly can infest plants in hot, dry spells. Keep plants well-watered and encourage natural predators. Severe infestations can be managed with insecticidal soap.
Why is my white clover chlorosis in highly acidic soil?
Yellowing leaves may indicate soil pH is too low, preventing nutrient uptake. Apply garden lime to raise pH toward neutral and restore healthy green growth.