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Lespedeza thunbergii 'Gibraltar'

Also Known As

Gibraltar Bush Clover
Pink Bush Clover

Plant type

shrub, perennial

size

H: 3'-8'
W: 5'-12'

planting zones

4a-9b

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Lespedeza thunbergii 'Gibraltar' plant details

Lespedeza thunbergii 'Gibraltar' is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous or semi-evergreen perennial shrub with blue and green foliage. In fall and summer lavender, pink and purple flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - occasional water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Lespedeza thunbergii 'Gibraltar'

Plant type: perennial shrub
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 5 FT - 12 FT - wide, 3 FT - 8 FT - tall
Flowers: lavender, pink and purple blooms in fall and summer
Uses: easy-to-grow, fall color, showy

GROWING CONDITIONS for Lespedeza thunbergii 'Gibraltar'

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Lespedeza thunbergii 'Gibraltar', commonly known as bush clover, is a member of the legume family with long, slender, bluish-green, trifoliate leaves and flower-laden stems arching downward with masses of purplish-pink pea flowers in late summer into fall. In spring, numerous stems erupt from the ground rising up 4-5 feet and arch into a cascading mound more reminiscent of a shrub than a perennial. Prefers full sun in dry conditions and is drought tolerant. Blooms on new wood.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

This pea shrub is a cut back plant. Each winter we cut to 10 inches. the deep green foliage can get up to an arching 6' by late summer. In August-September, the plant weeps with huge amounts of purple pea flowers. We try to propagate more plants each year but struggle to get more than a few plants

By: Gossler Farms

?For one of the last gorgeous splashes of colour of the year, this [6' x 4' sub-shrub] can hardly be beaten? (GS Thomas) in early fall when its feathery gracefully-arching stems are covered with deep-pink-purple pea-flowers. S/M-D/GDr

By: Forestfarm

The standard by which all Bush clovers are judged! This stunning, weeping Lespedeza is a waterfall of masses of vivid pinkish-purple blooms in mid to late summer. Gorgeous draping over a wall or spilling onto a walkway. Beautiful, feathery, pinnate foliage remains attractive through our hot & humid summer. Perfect with Asters and Ornamental grasses. Prune hard in late winter. A 'Must Have' for the Fall Garden. Discovered at old Gibraltar Estate in Wilmington, DE by Bill Frederick, Jr.

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

Bush Clover displays 5-6 'arching branches bearing thousands of lavender pink blossoms in late summer and early fall. Long lived and drought resistant, it is best sited at the top of a retaining wall where it can cascade with abandon. We cut our plant to the ground each spring to have some control and prevent it from getting rangy.

By: Avant Gardens

Weeping waterfall of vivid purple-pink pea-like blossoms in late summer. Very drought tolerant. Exceptional on dry banks. Growth 6 x 6 ft. Cut back hard in late winter.