Lespedeza bicolor Seeds | Unique Hardy Shrub
LATIN NAME: Lespedeza bicolor
COMMON NAME: Shrubby Lespedeza, Bicolor Lespedeza, Japanese Bush Clover
Plant Profile
Shrubby Lespedeza (Lespedeza bicolor) grows as an upright, deciduous shrub in the pea family, native to warm slopes of eastern Asia, while it is grown for its late flowers, its toughness. Shrubby lespedeza is a tough and generous shrub of warm slopes, and its spikes of pink and purple flowers have made it a favourite of late-summer garden. At maturity it stands about Three metres. Together these qualities explain its long-standing appeal to gardeners.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the pea family, Lespedeza bicolor is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Shrub has also been studied in forage and wildlife research, since its leaves and seeds are eaten by livestock and by wildlife, and it is valued for cover and for its place in the landscape. For researchers, plants like this one offer practical material for propagation studies and selection work.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Shrubby Lespedeza for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Ecologically, shrubby bushclover is a generous shrub of the Asian countryside. Its pink-purple flowers feed bees and other pollinators through late summer, its seeds feed birds and small mammals, and its nitrogen-fixing roots enrich soil, while its leafy growth gives cover for wildlife. Its economic value is real and varied. Establishment is uncomplicated, and afterwards ordinary care suffices.
Bush clovers are superb forage, wildlife and erosion plants; sericea lespedeza’s condensed tannins are studied for natural parasite control in grazing animals.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Shrubby Lespedeza under ordinary good conditions. Use a loose, well-drained seed compost, sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly, and keep everything evenly moist in bright light. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Shrubby Lespedeza repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
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