Species bush clover
Magenta-purple flowers and purlpe buds, white stems and green leaves.

bush clover

Lespedeza thunbergii 'Gibraltar'

Bush clover (Lespedeza thunbergii 'Gibraltar') is an attractive, heat and drought tolerant shrub. It features attractive and eye-catching deep green foliage that forms a low-growing and sprawling to dense and upright habit. The flowers are an abundant show of purplish-pink roses in late summer to early fall. Bees and butterflies are attracted to this species. It is easy to care for and deals with most soil types, but prefers full sun. Bush clover will lend texture and color to any garden and make an excellent addition to a backyard sanctuary.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Rosy purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Bush clover (Lespedeza thunbergii 'Gibraltar') needs regular watering in order to maintain a moist soil. It should be watered thoroughly about once a week during its growth period of March to early October; during this period, be sure to not let the soil dry out completely. For the winter months, water lightly every 2 weeks, as the plant's growth slows down significantly during this period. During extended dry periods, you may need to increase frequency of watering.

sunlight

Bush clover prefers full sun exposure and should be planted in a site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, preferably in the morning. During the summer months, Lespedeza thunbergii 'Gibraltar' can tolerate some partial shade in the afternoon. In the winter, however, it should receive ample sunshine, as it requires adequate amounts of sunlight to flower and set seeds.

pruning

Bush clover (Lespedeza thunbergii 'Gibraltar') should be pruned lightly in late spring or early summer. Prune no more than 1-third of the total stem length, and avoid cutting the stems too close to the ground as this may inhibit flowering. If necessary, prune to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged stems. Pay attention to the shape of the bush clover: prune to maintain the desired shape and avoid encouraging the growth of weak, overly lush foliage. Pruning in late spring or early summer also encourages more flower buds for the upcoming season.

Season

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

Lespedeza thunbergii 'Gibraltar' typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Lespedeza thunbergii 'Gibraltar' typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map