Also known as Bush Clover · 160 saves
Lespedeza
Lespedeza, the genus most gardeners know as bush clover. We track 6 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 6 most-saved Lespedeza varieties
3 species of Lespedeza
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Lespedeza in Sow
Save the Lespedeza you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Lespedeza
Whats common across all Lespedeza varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them.
The Lespedeza year
- MulchDecember50% of varieties
Refresh mulch layer in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- PlantApril and May50% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall in a full sun location.
- PruneMarch50% of varieties
Cut back hard to 6-12 inches in late winter/early spring, as it blooms on new wood.
- Check for PestsMay and June33% of varieties
Monitor young shoots for deer and rabbit browsing, protecting plants if necessary.
- Spring CleanupMarch and April33% of varieties
Cut back old, dry stems close to the ground before new shoots emerge from the root crown.
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Prune after flowering to shape
- Mulch to retain moisture
- Site it where the stems can arch out freely 🌿
- Cut it hard to the base every spring ✂️
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid heavy fertilization, as it prefers lean soil
- Don’t neglect pruning after flowering
What goes wrong with Lespedeza
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky honeydew on leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| Deer and rabbits | Chewed foliage and stems, particularly on tender young spring growth. | Protect young plants with physical cages or apply organic scent-based repellents. |
| Sap-feeding insects | Stippled leaves or sticky residue on the foliage during humid summer months. | Allow natural predatory insects to control populations, as damage is rarely severe enough to warrant chemical treatment. |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Use fungicidal spray and improve air circulation |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Generally disease-free | No significant disease damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
Making more Lespedeza
seeds
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 6 weeks.
- Germination occurs in 2-3 weeks.
cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Keep cuttings warm and moist for 6 weeks.
Lespedeza questions
How many types of Lespedeza are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Lespedeza varieties. The most popular — ranked by 160 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Lespedeza grow in?
Across its varieties, Lespedeza covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Lespedeza bloom?
Most Lespedeza varieties bloom in late summer, late summer to fall, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Lespedeza should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.