Lespedeza thunbergii

RHS Plant Profile
Thunberg lespedeza

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Thunberg lespedeza RHS
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Thunberg lespedeza RHS

Other common names

Thunberg bush clover

Synonyms

Desmodium penduliflorum

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Shrubs
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A medium-sized deciduous sub-shrub with long, annual, arching shoots bearing trifoliate leaves and 15mm in length rose-purple flowers in racemes to 15cm in length in early autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Lespedeza can be perennials, deciduous subshrubs or annuals, with neat leaves composed of 3 leaflets, and axillary or terminal racemes of small, pea-shaped flowers
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Far East

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed, division and semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 6

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free