Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Crimson clover on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Crimson clover
Trifolium incarnatum, also known as crimson clover, is a fast-growing annual legume, valued for its striking conical inflorescences of intense crimson red. It forms dense carpets of trifoliate leaves and is excellent for ground cover, soil enrichment, and attracting pollinators. It is ideal for wildflower meadows, as a green manure in vegetable gardens, or as an ornamental plant in borders and beds.
Native range
Mediterranean region of Europe and Asia Minor
Care tips
It thrives in full sun for abundant flowering, though it can tolerate some partial shade. Moderate watering is required, especially during establishment, but it is quite drought-tolerant once settled. It adapts to a wide range of soils, as long as they are well-drained, with slightly acidic to neutral soils being ideal. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, as being a legume, it fixes its own nitrogen, and an excess could reduce flowering.
How to save a dying Crimson clover
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or reddish leaves, general wilting, lack of flowering or stunted growth.
- First aid
- Check soil drainage and moisture. Ensure good sun exposure and water if soil is dry.
- What kills it
- Overwatering causing root rot; also lack of direct light.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotted and conditions are corrected.