Red clover Trifolium pratense
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Fabaceae family, native to Europe, western Asia and north-west Africa. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
Plan Red clover in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Red clover at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 9–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: flower heads (tea), young leaves |
| Native to | Europe, western Asia and north-west Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇫🇷 France |
Is Red clover toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: large amounts of fresh plant
Mostly safe; grazing animals on lush clover can bloat, and its plant oestrogens can affect sheep fertility.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Red clover
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Red clover
- How far apart should I plant Red clover?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Red clover need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Red clover need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Red clover?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Red clover flower?
- From about May for 9–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Red clover poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Mostly safe; grazing animals on lush clover can bloat, and its plant oestrogens can affect sheep fertility.
- What grows well with Red clover?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A short-lived pasture and green-manure legume; bumblebees are its main pollinators.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis