Sweet clover (Melilotus neapolitanus)
Care, watering, light and tips for Sweet clover on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 5 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Sweet clover
Melilotus neapolitanus, commonly known as Neapolitan melilot, is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Fabaceae family, characterized by its small yellow flowers arranged in elongated racemes and its trifoliate foliage. It is an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens, roadside borders, or as a cover crop, adding a wild touch and color to the landscape. Its upright and branched habit can reach moderate heights, creating an attractive visual effect when planted in groups.
Native range
Mediterranean region
Care tips
It prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth and abundant flowering. This plant is drought-tolerant once established, so watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings. It adapts to a wide variety of soils, provided they have good drainage, although it prefers calcareous and nutrient-poor soils. A common mistake to avoid is overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Sweet clover
- Warning signs
- Yellow or brown, wilted leaves, lacking vigor. No flowering or dry flowers.
- First aid
- Deep watering if soil is dry. Provide full sun. Assess soil drainage.
- What kills it
- Excessive shade and prolonged waterlogging that rots its roots.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted and cause is corrected quickly.