Species bush clover
Pink-Violet flowers, gray stems, green leaves, white blades, yellow midrib and veins.

bush clover

Lespedeza bicolor 'Little Buddy'

Bush clover (Lespedeza bicolor 'Little Buddy') is a small, sturdy deciduous shrub that produces masses of small, fragrant white-pink flowers over a long blooming period. It can reach heights of 3-4 feet, and its finely-textured foliage contrasts nicely with larger leaved shrubs or low-growing perennials. This drought tolerant shrub is perfect for gardens needing pollinator interest in a variety of soil types, sun exposures, and with minimal maintenance. Make sure to give Little Buddy summer pruning for a full display and to control its manageable size.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Bush Clover should be watered regularly so that the soil is kept consistently moist but not soggy. For most climates, it is best to water the plant every 3-4 days during the summer months, and every 5-7 days during the colder months. It is important to water the plant near the base of the stem, avoiding the foliage of the plant as much as possible to avoid leaf diseases. Bush Clover should be given enough water so that the soil is moist to a depth of 8-10 inches. Too much water can lead to root rot which can damage the plant.

sunlight

Bush clover (Lespedeza bicolor 'Little Buddy') requires full to partial sunlight for optimal growth and flowering. The plant tends to thrive in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight throughout the day. In regions where temperatures can get quite hot, it is best to provide some protection from the hottest part of the day by planting where it will receive some full morning sunlight, followed by light dappled light or partial shade in the afternoon.

pruning

For best results, Bush Clover (Lespedeza bicolor 'Little Buddy') should be pruned in the early spring, when the new growth begins to appear. Cut the main stems back to about 4 to 6 inches in height. Additionally, thin out some of the lower branches to allow for more air circulation. If some of the branches become oversized, you should cut them back to the desired size. Pruning should only be done as needed, as too much pruning can reduce flowering.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Bush clover typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Bush clover typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map