Lespedeza bicolor aka Shrubby Bushclover
Taxonomy
Lespedeza bicolor, also known as shrubby bushclover, shrub lespedeza, and bicolor lespedeza, is a deciduous medium-sized shrub native to Asia. It was introduced to the United States in the mid-1800s as an ornamental plant and has since been used for erosion control, revegetation of strip mined lands, and improving wildlife habitats. While it is widely grown as an ornamental plant, it has also become an invasive species in some regions, such as the southeastern United States.
The plant offers dark green trifoliate leaves on gray to green stems and long arching sprays of five to fifteen small magenta-purple pea flowers. It is drought-tolerant and grows well in infertile, medium-dry, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade, making it a good choice for difficult sites. Its roots fix nitrogen, and in harsh climates, it can be cut to the ground in late winter or early spring and will regrow to five feet tall in a single season.
As a houseplant, Shrubby Bushclover is super rare and easy to grow, but it needs regular watering to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be less than one foot from a window. The plant likes soil that is well-draining, and it shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size. Belonging to the Lespedeza genus, this plant is native to Southeastern Siberia to Japan.
Common names
Shrubby Bushclover, Shrub Lespedeza, Bicolor Lespedeza, Bush Clover, Shrubby LespedezaHow to care for Shrubby Bushclover
Difficulty
Shrubby Bushclover requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Water
Shrubby Bushclover should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Shrubby Bushclover loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Shrubby Bushclover prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Shrubby Bushclover to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
Fertilizer
The Shrubby Bushclover should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
Region of origin
Shrubby Bushclover’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Lespedeza Genus
Lespedeza pilosa
Lespedeza tomentosa
Lespedeza cyrtobotrya Leafy Lespedeza

Lespedeza cuneata Chinese Bush Clover
Lespedeza buergeri

Lespedeza virginica Slender Bush Clover
Lespedeza procumbens Trailing Lespedeza
Lespedeza floribunda

Lespedeza repens Creeping Bushclover
