Lespedeza thunbergii ‘Gibraltar’

My first glimpse of this plant at Olbrich Botanical Garden (Madison, Wisconsin) in late summer many years ago was memorable as I was mesmerized by the amazing cascading, “floral fountain” featuring rosy-purple flowers on arching stems. I became familiar with the plant quickly and was amazed after being told that what I was observing in our cooler climate was the vigorous growth of only one year (cut back in late winter) to a “head high,” wide cascading mound of color. This variety continues to be my favorite and I enjoy observing five mature specimens of this plant in the healing garden I manage. My amazement and appreciation of this plant is renewed every year.

This dense, multi-stemmed member of the Fabaceae (pea) family is a legume native to Japan and China. This bush clover features “cool-toned” blue-green, trifoliate leaves on elegantly arching branches. This selection was found by plantsman and artist, William Frederick, Jr. (of Delaware) many years ago and continues to be popular for the rosy-purple-pink racemes of blossoms (late August into September) that create long, pendulous panicles blanketing the showy, arching branches. The mounding, arching form is a striking silhouette in all seasons and in Northern climates, can be cut back severely in late winter to encourage vigorous growth that will flower reliably again in late summer. The foliage does take on yellow tones in the autumn as well.

This versatile plant (USDA Zone 4-8) can reach 5-6 feet of height in a single season and slowly thickets out to a 10 foot width over time. Full sun is preferred although part sun is acceptable. Decent drainage is essential for this plant and drought tolerance is exhibited with established specimens. This selection performs well in infertile, sandy soils and is not pH sensitive. Some reseeding and rooting of prostrate stems contributes to the spread of this species which has been noted in Kentucky and Georgia with an invasive designation. With no serious insect or disease problems, this plant simply thrives and is considered an urban tolerant option. Do note that it is not deer or rabbit resistant but seems to outgrow browsing very quickly.