Lespedeza thunbergii is a small to medium-sized, herbaceous legume of the pea family, native to eastern Asia. It was introduced to North America as an ornamental plant in the late 1800s, and is now naturalized in many parts of the United States and Canada. The species is named for the Japanese botanist, doctor, and physician Thunberg. Lespedeza thunbergii is a perennial plant that typically grows to 1-2 m (3-6 ft) tall. The leaves are trifoliate, with three ovate-lanceolate leaflets 2-7 cm (0.8-2.8 in) long and 1-3 cm (0.4-1.2 in) wide. The flowers are small and white, borne in dense, cylindrical spikes 5-15 cm (2-6 in) long. The fruit is a small, black, winged legume. Lespedeza thunbergii is commonly known as bush clover, Korean bush clover, or Thunberg's bush clover. It is a popular plant in gardens and is used as an ornamental in parks and public spaces. The species has also been used in traditional medicine and as a food source.
About soil condition, Lespedeza thunbergii grows in various soil types, such as sandy, loamy, and even clay soils. It can tolerate drought and poor drainage. The plant is also salt-tolerant, making it ideal for use in roadside plantings and other salty areas.
Just like other lespedeza species, lespedeza thunbergii requires full sun to grow and thrive. Without ample sunlight, this plant will become leggy and produce fewer flowers. If you live in an area with hot summers, some afternoon shade may be beneficial to prevent the foliage from scorching.
The temperature condition lespedeza thunbergii can survive in is between 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil but can tolerate some shade. It is drought tolerant but will flower and produce more seed if given occasional water during dry periods. Lespedeza thunbergii is a hardy plant that is adaptable to a variety of growing conditions.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 60%-70%. The plant does not tolerate extremely high or low humidity. If the humidity is too low, the plant will suffer from dry leaves and flower buds. If the humidity is too high, the plant will be susceptible to fungal diseases.
About fertilizer, this plant prefers high nitrogen levels, so use a fertilizer with a high first number. For example, use a 10-10-10 fertilizer. You can apply the fertilizer either in the spring or in the summer. This plant also does well in clay soils because its roots can penetrate the clay and break it up.
Pruning is an important part of caring for your lespedeza thunbergii. Pruning helps to encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches. It is also important to prune during the plant's dormant period, typically in late winter or early spring.
Propagation of lespedeza thunbergii is typically done through seed. The seeds should be stratified in order to germinate. Once germinated, the seedlings can be transplanted into their permanent location. Lespedeza thunbergii can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be rooted in a moist medium.
Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been conducted in the lab under ideal conditions. In nature, the plant typically grows much slower. In a study performed in Illinois, the average lespedeza thunbergii plant growth rate was found to be just 0.47 inches per year. However, the plant can grow much faster in some conditions. For example, if the plant gets extra nitrogen, it can grow up to 2.36 inches per year.
Common problems for this kind of plant are that the plant is susceptible to cold weather damage and that the leaves can be scorched by direct sunlight. Lespedeza thunbergii is also susceptible to a variety of diseases, including powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. Insects, such as aphids and Japanese beetles, can also be problematic for lespedeza thunbergii.
Source:
Lespedeza thunbergii Gibralter - Gibralter bush lespedeza
Lespedeza thunbergii | Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens
MELU Herbarium | Lespedeza thunbergii
