Purple Clover (Trifolium purpureum) is a vibrant annual herb with striking purple flower heads, often used as a ground cover or for its ecological benefits in nitrogen fi
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and growth, but can tolerate partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow top layer to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers moderate temperatures. Can tolerate light frosts but is sensitive to extreme heat.
Low
25% intensity
As a legume, it fixes nitrogen. Minimal fertilization, if any, is needed.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out slightly between waterings, especially during dry spells.
Reduce watering in cooler months to prevent root rot. Ensure good drainage to avoid standing water.
Pruning is usually not necessary for Trifolium purpureum. If the plant becomes leggy or untidy, it can be trimmed back after flowering to encourage bushier growth.
Deadheading spent flowers can also improve appearance and potentially prolong blooming.
Purple clover can be propagated by seed sown directly into the ground in spring or autumn. Seeds germinate readily in well-prepared soil.
It can also be propagated by division of established clumps, though this is less common and usually done in spring.
Repotting is generally not applicable for Trifolium purpureum as it is typically grown as an annual or short-lived perennial in the ground or as a groundcover. If grown in containers, repotting might be considered after a few years if the plant becomes root-bound, using a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Purple Clover (Trifolium purpureum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Trifolium |
| Species | Trifolium purpureum |
Similar in genus Trifolium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
