Trifolium pratense (Red clover)

Botanical name

Trifolium pratense

Other names

Red clover

Genus

Trifolium Trifolium

Species

T. pratense - T. pratense is an herbaceous, short-lived perennial with alternate, trifoliate leaves and pink flowers in summer.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Clump-forming, Spreading

Colour

Flower

Pink in Summer

Foliage

Green in Summer

How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest free.

Specific diseases

Downy mildew , Foot and root rot , Leaf spot , Powdery mildew , Rust

General care

Propagation methods

Division, Seed

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Trifolium pratense (Red clover) will reach a height of 0.8m and a spread of 1m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Low Maintenance, Prairie planting, Wildflower, Wildlife

Cultivation

Plant in any neutral, moist but well-drained soil in full sun.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Trifolium pratense (Red clover)

Common pest name

Apple root knot nematode

Scientific pest name

Meloidogyne mali

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Unknown

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

UK (along with certain other European countries) received potentially infested trees in 1992; but these were destroyed at the end of the trial period and targeted surveillance has failed to find any trace of the nematode. Main impacts are on elm; apple and mulberry and industry should source such material carefully.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Trifolium pratense (Red clover)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Wiseana despecta

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

1

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

New Zealand pest mainly affecting pasture. Main pathway (potatoes) already prohibited and little likelihood of introduction by other means.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Trifolium pratense (Red clover)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Wiseana cervinata

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

1

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

New Zealand pest mainly affecting pasture. Main pathway (potatoes) already prohibited and little likelihood of introduction by other means.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/