Lespedeza thunbergii Information

Lespedeza thunbergii, also known as Thunberg's bush clover or Urajiro-hagi in Japanese, is a deciduous shrub native to Japan and Korea. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and is widely grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.

The plant grows up to 1-2 meters in height and has an upright, spreading habit with arching branches. The leaves are dark green, trifoliate, and about 3-6 cm long. In late summer and early fall, the plant produces a profusion of small, pea-like lavender-pink flowers in clusters at the end of the branches. The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies.

Lespedeza thunbergii is a hardy plant that tolerates a wide range of growing conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is also tolerant of drought and heat once established. It is generally pest and disease-resistant, but can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions.

The plant is often used in mixed borders, as a specimen plant, or as a hedge. It can also be used as a groundcover on slopes or in naturalized areas. It is easy to propagate from softwood cuttings taken in early summer, or from seed sown in the fall. Pruning in early spring can help maintain a compact shape and encourage flowering.