Crimson clover
Trifolium incarnatum · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant crimson clover: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Crimson Clover, Incarnate Clover
- Family
- Fabaceae (Legumes)
- Form
- Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
- Flowering
- Spring to early summer (April-June)
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous, trifoliate compound leaves
- Hardiness
- Hardy, down to -15 °C
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin and Middle East
Care
Exposure
Plant your Trifolium incarnatum in full sun for generous flowering. It tolerates partial shade but flowers less abundantly there. Prefer an open, well-ventilated location.
Soil and planting
Adaptable to various soils, it prefers a drained and slightly deep substrate. Accepts poor and even chalky soils. Sow directly in autumn or early spring depending on your climate.
Watering
Water moderately during growth and flowering periods. Once established, Crimson Clover tolerates drought well thanks to its developed root system. Avoid excess water which promotes fungal diseases.
Fertilizing
Like all legumes, Trifolium incarnatum fixes atmospheric nitrogen and naturally enriches the soil. Fertilizer is generally unnecessary; light compost at planting is sufficient.
Pruning and maintenance
Little pruning needed on this annual. You can cut back lightly after flowering to encourage a compact form. Leave faded flowers if you want self-seeding.
Diseases and pests
Very robust, it rarely suffers from serious diseases. In overly humid and confined conditions, watch for rot and powdery mildew. Pests are exceptional on this hardy species.
Did you know?
Trifolium incarnatum is traditionally used as a green manure in organic farming: sown in autumn and incorporated into the soil in spring, it enriches it with natural nitrogen and improves its structure. This ancestral practice, still popular among winemakers and market gardeners, makes Crimson Clover much more than a simple ornamental plant—it's a precious ally of sustainable agriculture.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.