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
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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 the UK
- 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
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