Red clover is a short-lived perennial legume prized as a cover crop and forage plant. Its deep taproot and nitrogen-fixing root nodules enrich the soil, making it a favorite for green manure and crop rotation.
The pinkish-purple flower heads are highly attractive to bumblebees and other pollinators, and the plant has a long history of use in traditional herbal remedies. It establishes easily from seed and thrives in a wide range of conditions.
Powdery mildew
White or grey powdery coating on leaves — usually starting on older growth in humid conditions or when nights cool.
Improve air circulation by thinning plants. Apply neem oil or potassium bicarbonate spray at first sign. Avoid overhead watering.
Downy mildew
Yellowing on top of leaves with grey-purple fuzz underneath. Spreads rapidly in humid conditions.
Remove affected leaves. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Copper spray as preventive.
Crown Rot
Lower leaves yellow and wilt; the base of the rosette turns brown and soft, sometimes with white fungal threads at the soil line. Plants collapse in wet conditions.
Remove and destroy affected plants. Improve drainage and avoid overhead watering. Do not mulch directly against the crown. Space plants for airflow and avoid replanting in the same wet spot.
Clover Rust
Orange-brown powdery pustules on the undersides of leaves and on stems; heavy infection yellows and prematurely drops foliage.
Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and mow infected stands to remove diseased growth. Remove and destroy debris; rotate planting areas.
Southern Anthracnose
Dark sunken lesions on stems and petioles, often girdling and blackening the crown; plants wilt and collapse in patches during warm, wet weather.
Plant resistant varieties, ensure good drainage, and avoid dense overcrowded stands. Remove infected plants and rotate to non-legume cover for a season.