Lespedeza
bicolor, commonly called bush clover, is a loose, open, deciduous shrub or
sub-shrub which typically grows 5-10′ tall and as wide. If cut to the ground in
late winter, it will rapidly grow to 5′ tall in a single growing season.
Features trifoliate, dark green leaves (elliptic leaflets to 2″ long) and
erect racemes (to 5″ long) of rose-purple, pea-like flowers which bloom
both at the stem tips and in the upper leaf axils in late summer. Flowers are
followed by small, flat, rounded to elliptic, one-seeded pods (to 1/3″
long). Native to China and Japan. Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained
soil in full sun to part shade. Best in infertile, dryish soils in full sun.
Good drainage is essential. Tolerates drought. Late summer bloom for borders,
open woodland gardens or naturalized areas. Group or mass. It is widely used in
soil conservation and for its wildlife value. It is an effective plant on
slopes and banks to prevent erosion. Hardy in zones 4-8.
Growing
Instructions for the Bush Clover
The seeds like moist,
well-drained soil. Use a sterile seed starter mix, if available. It prevents
soil fungi from damaging the seeds and the seedlings. If not available, then
make a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put
the soil in a pot. 4. Put the seeds on the soil. 5. Cover the seeds with a thin
layer of soil. 6. Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet. 7. Place
the pots in an area with warm temperatures in full sun. 8. When the seedlings
are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.
Ryder (verified owner) –
Easy to grow beautiful
Anthony (verified owner) –
Very well worth the money.
Aadarsh (verified owner) –
Very well worth the money.
Aadarsh (verified owner) –
The seeds had a great germination rate
Charles (verified owner) –
Good service.