Overview
Trifolium rubens is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Trifolium, part of the Fabaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Trifolium rubens grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildflower meadow and cottage and informal garden. It is native to Europe.
About
Trifolium rubens is a bushy perennial that grows into a dense clump, reaching heights and widths of up to 60 cm. Its foliage features blue-green leaves made up of lanceolate leaflets that have minute serrations and are adorned with fine silvery hairs. The flowers are arranged in elongated clusters, measuring as much as 8 cm, and they emerge in a dark red-purple hue, starting from the base of each cluster.
About the genus
Trifolium comprises upright or sprawling annuals, biennials, and herbaceous perennials characterized by their trifoliate leaves and small, pea-shaped blossoms that typically appear in clusters or on short spikes.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Trifolium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Trifolium rubens size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildflower meadow, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Trifolium rubens
- Cultivation
- Plant in any soil in full sun
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to pea and bean weevil
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Trifolium rubens?
Plant in any soil in full sun.
Where is the best place to plant Trifolium rubens?
Trifolium rubens prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Trifolium rubens need?
Trifolium rubens is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Trifolium rubens?
No pruning required.
How big does Trifolium rubens grow?
Trifolium rubens reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Trifolium rubens hardy in the UK?
Trifolium rubens has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Trifolium rubens?
Propagate by seed.