Overview

Lespedeza thunbergii is a shrub in the genus Lespedeza, part of the Q44448 family, with deciduous foliage. Lespedeza thunbergii grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include ornamental, hedge and border. It is native to Far East.

About

Lespedeza thunbergii is a deciduous shrub prized for a concentrated late-summer flowering display. It prefers a sunny site in well-drained yet reliably moist soil and is fully hardy in the UK (H7). Suited to ornamental borders and informal hedging, it originates from the Far East.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lespedeza thunbergii

About the genus

Lespedeza is a genus of some 45 species of flowering plants in the pea family (Fabaceae), commonly known as bush clovers or Japanese clovers (hagi). The genus is native to warm temperate to subtropical regions of eastern North America, eastern and southern Asia and Australasia.

In the garden

Lespedeza thunbergii is a deciduous shrub in the genus Lespedeza, native to the Far East. It produces a strong late-summer display of flowers between July and September, providing seasonal structure when many early-summer shrubs have finished. Plant in full sun on a free-draining site that will retain some moisture through the growing season; the species favours well-drained, moist soils and performs best with full sun exposure. It is classed H7 for UK hardiness — fully hardy — so it will withstand the coldest garden situations where soil does not remain waterlogged. Being deciduous, it drops its leaves for the winter and renews growth in spring. Use Thunberg lespedeza as a specimen in a mixed shrub border, as an informal hedge or to give late-summer interest to a perennial bed. Positioning where its July–September flowers can be appreciated close to a path or seating area makes the most of its seasonal display. Expect the principal flowering to be concentrated in that late-summer window.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lespedeza

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

well-drained

Soil moisture

moist

Exposure

full sun

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Lespedeza thunbergii size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

shrub

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

ornamental, hedge, border

Native to

Far East

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lespedeza thunbergii

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Tolerates drought once established.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

Propagation

Seed, semi-hardwood cuttings

Frequently asked questions