Tall annual clover with deep crimson flower heads — striking enough to be ornamental as well as agricultural. A staple winter cover crop in orchards.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 5–9 | −28.9 °C to −1.1 °C | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| RHS hardiness rating | H7 | down to −20 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 5–9 | −23 °C and warmer | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 1–5 | −15 °C to 10 °C | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
As a tender annual, Crimson clover doesn't overwinter — the zone range shows where the growing season supports it. See the RHS rating for its actual cold tolerance.
Growing notes
- Sown in autumn for late-spring flowering — the deep red flower heads carpeting orchard floors are an iconic sight
- Excellent bee forage during the brief flowering window
- Terminate before seed set to prevent volunteers in the following crop
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Crimson clover against your zones