Species bush clover
pea-like, pink flower with purple buds, small, green leaves with pink margins, and pink-green stems

bush clover

Lespedeza bicolor 'Yakushima'

Bush clover (Lespedeza bicolor 'Yakushima') is a beautiful native Japanese plant with an abundance of stunning light pink flowering heads in late summer. It grows to be 1 metre tall and wide, maintaining a vigorous, bushy habit with dense green foliage that casts a warm shade. This plant has also been found to be an asset in wildlife gardens due to its attraction of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Not only is this is a beautiful garden addition, but it is also low maintenance and requires no pruning or deadheading. Bush Clover is the perfect addition to any garden for its attractive foliage and clusters of delicate vibrant blooms.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Violet purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Bush clover (Lespedeza bicolor 'Yakushima') should be watered once a week and given approximately 2 inches of water. For best results, water deeply, allowing water to soak the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches. During periods of extreme heat, it may need to be watered an extra time, providing an additional inch of water. Be sure to avoid over-watering, which can cause root rot and other issues.

sunlight

Bush clover (Lespedeza bicolor 'Yakushima') thrives best in full sun, which means it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. During the summer, the bush clover may require up to 8 hours of full sun to remain healthy and vibrant. During very hot summer days, afternoon shade may be welcome for this plant species.

pruning

Bush clover (Lespedeza bicolor 'Yakushima') should be pruned in late winter, before new growth begins. Pruning should include removing dead, damaged or crossing branches, as well as thinning out densely growing branches. If being used for a hedge, the bush may be pruned to the desired shape and size. It may also be cut back to the ground in early spring in order to rejuvenate the plant. For shrub specimens of bush clover, take out up to 1-third of the older growth, ensuring that the remaining branches are evenly spaced.

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