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 wildlife gardens. It is native to Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
About
Trifolium rubens, commonly known as ruddy clover, is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the Fabaceae family. It grows to a height and spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This semi-evergreen plant thrives in full sun and suits south, east, or west-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered conditions. It adapts well to various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained or well-drained soils across a range of pH levels. Its main seasons of interest are summer and autumn.
About the genus
Clovers, also called trefoils, are plants of the genus Trifolium. They are herbaceous plants growing up to 30 cm (12 in) tall. The leaves are usually trifoliate and the small flowers are reddish to white or yellow.
Wikipedia contributors, "Clover", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Clover
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, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Trifolium rubens
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; suitable for wildflower meadows and wildlife gardens.
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape and promote fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Trifolium rubens?
Prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; suitable for wildflower meadows and wildlife gardens.
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?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape and promote fresh growth.
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 an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Trifolium rubens?
Seed.
More in the Trifolium genus
Browse all Trifolium →
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