Red clover (Trifolium pratense)

Also known as: Purple clover

Red clover is commonly grown both as a fodder plant and as green manure due to its ability to fix nitrogen through its root nodules, which enhances soil fertility. This legume is widely naturalized across the globe, including regions like the United States and Australia, often escaping cultivation. Additionally, its attractive flowers make it popular as an ornamental plant.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Red clover

Lifespan

Perennial, Biennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

20 cm to 80 cm

Spread

40 cm

Leaf Color

Green Blue

Flower Size

1.2 cm to 1.5 cm

Flower Color

Pink Purple Red

Images of Red clover

Quickly Identify Red clover

Compound leaves in groups of three leaflets, with oval shape and V-shaped white marking.

Flower heads with tube-like florets in shades of pink to pinkish-purple, atop hairy stems.

Tiny tubular blooms with 5 slender pink to purplish-pink petals, measuring 0.4 inches (1 cm).

Small seedpods with 1-2 heart-shaped seeds, evolving from flower heads, colored from green to tan brown.

Hairy stem with occasional branching, green color, and 0.1-0.2 inches (3-5 mm) in diameter.

Scientific Classification of Red clover

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Fabales

Family

Legume

Genus

Clovers

Species

Red clover

Planting and Growing of Red clover

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Terracotta

How to Water Red clover?

For Trifolium pratense, you should aim to water it with around 200 ml each time. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not soggy, aiming for a balance where the roots receive adequate hydration without waterlogging. Ensure excess water can drain away to prevent root rot.

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Red clover?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Trifolium pratense prefers full sun and partial sun, ideally exposed to sunlight for 6 to 8 hours daily. This balance of light encourages healthy growth, strong stems, and vibrant blossoms, facilitating optimal photosynthetic activity and energy storage.

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Red clover?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for the growth of Trifolium pratense, or red clover, is between 60°F and 75°F. This range supports optimal photosynthesis and enzymatic activity, ensuring the plant thrives with robust growth and healthy foliage.

What Soil is Best for Red clover?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Clay soil

Soil PH: 6 ~ 7.5

Trifolium pratense thrives in well-drained soil that prevents root rot. Adequate drainage ensures air circulation in the soil, supporting healthy root growth and enabling the plant to access essential nutrients efficiently. While high fertility isn't necessary, moderately fertile soil provides enough nutrients for optimal growth. This control on fertility prevents excessive vegetative growth, allowing the plant to focus on blooming. Soils with good moisture retention are ideal as they help maintain the required hydration levels, especially in warmer climates. This consistency in moisture helps prevent wilting and promotes steady growth. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Red clover?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Trifolium pratense, commonly known as red clover, thrives with balanced fertilization. Use approximately 1 tablespoon of liquid fertilizer per gallon of water, ensuring you don't over-saturate the soil and cause root rot. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Red clover?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by examining Trifolium pratense for any dead or yellowing leaves. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut these away near the base. Be mindful not to damage the main stems while removing spent flowers, which encourages the plant to direct energy towards new blooms. Always cut just above a leaf node to foster new growth. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Red clover plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring, Late spring, Early autumn

Start by choosing a well-draining soil mix suitable for Trifolium pratense. Mix and prepare the soil, ensuring it is loose and rich in organic matter to support root development for seeds, cuttings, or divisions.

Scatter Trifolium pratense seeds evenly across the prepared soil surface. Press them lightly into the soil to ensure contact but do not bury too deep, as they require light to germinate. Keep the seeds consistently moist until germination occurs.

Select healthy plant stems for cuttings and cut them below a node. Plant the cuttings in moist soil or water to encourage root growth. Keep the cuttings in a warm, bright place but out of direct sunlight while roots develop.

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How to Repot Red clover plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Trifolium pratense requires repotting when its roots begin emerging from the pot's drainage holes or spiraling heavily inside the pot. It's vital to choose a time when the plant isn't flowering to minimize stress, typically early spring or late autumn.

Choosing the right pot involves ensuring there is about an inch or two of space around the root ball to allow for growth. A pot that is too large can cause water retention, leading to root rot, so it's crucial to choose a moderately larger pot that complements the plant's root size.

For Trifolium pratense, opting for a well-draining sandy loam soil is ideal as it supports both aeration and drainage. Avoid dense, compact soils, as they can suffocate the roots and lead to waterlogging, hampering root health and plant vitality.

Toxicity of Red clover

Is Red clover toxic to cat?

Red clover poses a toxicity risk to cats, as any part of the plant can lead to poisoning if consumed, even inadvertently. Should a cat ingest red clover, it may display symptoms of physical discomfort or sickness, which can manifest as a range of vague indicators. It is crucial to monitor your cat for any abnormal behavior or signs of distress, as these may suggest the possibility of poisoning. In case of any concerns, it is essential to seek immediate veterinary care for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Is Red clover toxic to dog?

Red clover is regarded as toxic for dogs. Canines may unintentionally ingest various parts of this plant, resulting in the potential for poisoning. Every component of red clover presents a danger if eaten by dogs. The signs of poisoning can differ, but may include gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, and other health issues that are specific to each dog's unique response to the plant. It is essential for dog owners to observe their pets carefully and restrict their access to red clover. Should a dog ingest any portion of red clover, it is vital to obtain prompt veterinary assistance to ensure the best possible outcome for the affected pet.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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