'Spilt Milk' Bushclover
Lespedeza thunbergii 'Spilt Milk'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
48 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Lespedeza thunbergii, or Thunberg's bushclover, is a deciduous shrub with an arching, fountain-like habit. It has trifoliate leaves and produces pea-like flowers in late summer and fall. The cultivar 'Spilt Milk' is prized for its dramatic foliage: green leaves are heavily splashed and mottled with creamy white. It bears racemes of rose-purple flowers in late summer, though it is grown primarily for its foliage.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
- Water young plants weekly to establish roots.
- Prune after flowering to shape and promote dense growth.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide mature plants every 3-4 years in early spring.
Pro Tip
Use organic compost to enrich soil and support vibrant blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Fertilize in early spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don't prune in late fall or winter
- Never ignore pest signs
- Avoid heavy clay soil without amendment
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
'Spilt Milk' Bushclover questions
What zones can 'Spilt Milk' Bushclover grow in?
'Spilt Milk' Bushclover is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is 'Spilt Milk' Bushclover deer resistant?
Yes — 'Spilt Milk' Bushclover is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does 'Spilt Milk' Bushclover bloom?
'Spilt Milk' Bushclover typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does 'Spilt Milk' Bushclover need full sun?
'Spilt Milk' Bushclover does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is 'Spilt Milk' Bushclover drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), 'Spilt Milk' Bushclover handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow 'Spilt Milk' Bushclover with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
