Photo of Trifolium rubens close-up, flower, foliage by Bernd Haynold

Photo by Bernd Haynold

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Trifolium rubens

Also Known As

  • Ornamental Purple Clover

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 18"
  • W: 24"

planting zones

  • 6a-10b

More Options

Trifolium rubens plant details

Trifolium rubens is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In spring and summer magenta flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Trifolium rubens

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 24 IN wide, 18 IN tall
Flowers: magenta blooms in spring and summer
Uses: border plant, cutting garden, showy

GROWING CONDITIONS for Trifolium rubens

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Prolific and beautiful, this wonderful clover produces its huge bright candles of crimson flowers from silver buds on 1-2' stalks; perhaps the most ornamental of all clovers. S-PSh/M
Denoting good luck, this easily cultivated perennial legume is quite ornamental. Bushy, upright clumps of signature tripetaled, medium green leaves, give rise to huge silvery buds, which open to become bright crimson candles of bloom. Borne on long stems, the soft flowers come in droves, and are choice for drawing bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Create a stylized meadow by planting it amongst Lupinus 'The Governor' and Pennisetum 'Hameln'.
A gorgeous plant that probably only remains obscure in gardens because of it happens to have the misfortune of sharing a genus with a couple weeds. But a weed this most certainly is not. A bushy perennial a foot or so tall with long stems (totally suitable for cutting) ending in big heads of flowers that are silvery fuzzy in bud before opening up to a vivid shade of magenta-red. None of the weedy characteristics of other clovers, but just as easy to grow. Zone 3.
A low, mound forming, deep rooted, Nitrogen fixing perennial found throughout most of Europe. Fat, silver haired, spikes of rosy-red flowers are borne above the dense mounds of deep green, trifoliate leaves. An epic filler amongst perennials or grasses where it supplies them with much needed Nitrogen without out-competing due to it's moderate growth rate. Very tough, tolerant of dry conditions once established and thrives in poor sandy soils. Cut down in Winter. A good cut flower. Highly underrated due to irrational fear of clover, T. rubens does not run and you can only hope it self seeds, perhaps also because like most great long lived perennials it takes several years to perform at it's best. Be patient.

By: Zephs

An under utilized clumping clover with reddish-purple plumes to 18 inches tall. Drought tolerant and works for a cut flower too.

Gardening facts about Trifolium rubens plant

How to Grow Trifolium rubens

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Flower Color

    • magenta
  • Texture

    • grassy
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Color

    • green
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