Trifolium pratense
red clover
A red clover that reaches 30-50cm in height and bears trifoliate leaves and rounded clusters of pinkish-red flowers 2-3cm across from May to September. Traditionally an element of hay meadows where it fixes nitrogen in its roots. A great source of nectar, especially for bees
Other common names
bee breadbroad-leaved clover
see moreclover grass
common clover
cow grass
marl grass
pinkies
purple clover
purplewort
suckles
sugar plum
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Pink | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Pink | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Trifolium are erect or creeping annuals, biennials and herbaceous perennials with trefoil leaves and small, pea-like flowers usually in clusters or short spikes
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers a sunny site and a slightly acid soil with low levels of nitrogenl (ie un-manured ground). Naturally occurs in grassland
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.