Little Volcano Lespedeza

LESPEDEZA t. s. 'Little Volcano'. 3-6' tall, 6-10' spread, part shade-full sun, late summer-mid fall bloom. Blooms on new growth. Flowers best when planted in full sun. This variety does not produce seed. Semi-woody shrub with an arching, fountain-like habit. Drooping racemes of rosy-purple, pea-like flowers are grouped into loose, pendulous flower panicles. Bluish-green leaves turn gold in fall after bloom. Attracts butterflies. Generally considered deer and rabbit resistant, though not completely immune. Zones 6-10. Potted in 3" pot. Lespedeza thunbergii, commonly called bush clover is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best flowering is in full sun. Performs well in infertile, sandy soils. Good drainage is essential. Tolerates drought once established. Avoid over fertilization. Blooms on new growth, so prune as needed in late winter to early spring. Although the roots are winter hardy to USDA Zone 6, the top growth will die to the ground in hard winters. Some gardeners simply prune plants to the ground in late winter each year.