Lespedeza thunbergii (Bush Clover)

An unknown jewel for late summer, award-winning Lespedeza thunbergii (Bush Clover) is a medium-sized deciduous sub-shrub noted for its delicate foliage, brilliant blossoms and graceful fountain-like habit. It features long, arching branches, hanging to the ground, and clothed with trifoliate, blue-green leaves. They are laden with thousands of rosy-purple, pea-like flowers in late summer or early fall, and create a fountain of color when not much else is blooming. Forming a wonderful mound of cascading beauty, Bush Clover makes an excellent fall-blooming specimen for the sunny garden. This herbaceous subshrub dies back to the ground after hard frost. Prune it to the ground in late winter, then stand back: Bush Clover will grow up to 3-6 ft. tall and wide (90-180 cm) during the following growing season!

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Grows up to 4-5 ft. tall (120-150 cm) and 4-10 ft. wide (120-300 cm). Will naturalize by reseeding and by prostrate stems rooting at the nodes.
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Best flower production is obtained in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including infertile, sandy soils, but excluding wet conditions. Although it shines brightest in moist, rich soils, it performs nearly as well on hot, dry sites. Drought tolerant once established.
• Perfect for shrub borders, cottage gardens or cascading over walls.
• Blooms on new growth, so prune as needed in late winter to early spring.
• Virtually pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
• Propagate by seed, division and semi-hardwood cuttings
• Native to China and Japan
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.