Red Feather Clover
Trifolium rubens
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Europe and Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Trifolium rubens is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial noted for its ornamental foliage and unique flowers. It features trifoliate (three-parted), blue-green leaves and produces dense, cylindrical flower heads of purplish-red, feathery flowers in late spring and summer. This species is appreciated for its attractive, dense flower heads and its ability to improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, making it valuable in sustainable gardening and ecological restoration projects.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-drained soil in early spring.
- Water regularly until established, about 6 weeks.
- Place in full sun for best flowering.
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring.
- Divide in early spring or fall for propagation.
Pro Tip
Sow seeds directly in the garden for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms 🌱
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture 🌱
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor 🌱
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers ❌
- Refrain from heavy pruning in late fall ❌
- Keep from planting in overly shady spots ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Red Feather Clover questions
What zones can Red Feather Clover grow in?
Red Feather Clover is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Red Feather Clover deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Red Feather Clover, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Red Feather Clover bloom?
Red Feather Clover typically blooms in late spring to mid-summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Red Feather Clover need full sun?
Red Feather Clover does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Red Feather Clover drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Red Feather Clover handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Red Feather Clover with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
