Red Clover
trifolium rubens
Also known as: ["Red Clover","Purple Clover"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with distinctive pinkish-red flower heads and trifoliate leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Trifolium |
| Botanical Name: | Trifolium rubens |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 2–3 months to tidy growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, focusing on deadheading and shaping.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in filtered light outdoors or near an east-facing window indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during intense midday sun; avoid deep shade for prolonged periods.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, fertile loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Ensure soil is not compacted; avoid heavy clay mixes; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, 50–70°F (10–21°C); tolerates light frosts but avoid prolonged freezing.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain consistent cool conditions for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding in fall to prepare for dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps in early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring before active growth begins.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light and consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pots within 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks at the base; trim leggy stems to promote bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming and maintain plant vigor.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune dead or damaged parts, shape as needed, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if crowded, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare fresh soil mix, handle roots carefully, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves, adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring and fall, reducing frequency to every 14–21 days in winter and increasing to every 5–7 days in summer heat.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or aged manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf yellowing, or browning in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback if below 20°F (-6°C).
Solution: Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; apply a thick mulch layer for in-ground plants.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering frequency, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, avoid winter feeding, rinse tools after use.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicTrifolium rubens is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects associated with ingestion by cats.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to cats
Dogs
Non-toxicTrifolium rubens is not considered toxic to dogs. It is not known to cause adverse effects when ingested in small quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to dogs
Humans
Non-toxicTrifolium rubens, commonly known as red clover, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes and is often consumed as part of a balanced diet.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to humans
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Trifolium rubens toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does Red Clover attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How difficult is it to care for Red Clover?
A: It is relatively easy to care for with moderate maintenance needs.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
