Bush clover (Lespedeza thunbergii 'Pink Cascade')
Discover Lespedeza thunbergii 'Pink Cascade,' the stunning Bush clover, boasting pink blooms from late summer through fall in Zones 5-8.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Lespedeza thunbergii ‘Pink Cascade’ is a highly valuable addition to any late-season garden, known for its graceful, arching form that creates a fountain-like display when in bloom. This variety of Bush clover (Lespedeza thunbergii ‘Pink Cascade’) produces masses of attractive rosy-purple, pea-like flowers that cascade over its foliage from late summer into early fall, offering crucial color when many other shrubs are finished. Though technically a deciduous, semi-woody shrub, it is treated virtually as a perennial, responding to hard pruning by producing vigorous new growth each season.
The appeal of this plant lies not just in its spectacular floral show but also in its reliable structure and low-maintenance nature once established. Bush clover thrives in sunny locations and is surprisingly accommodating to poorer soils, making it an excellent choice for challenging sites or naturalized plantings. Gardeners appreciate the resilience of Lespedeza thunbergii ‘Pink Cascade’ as it provides structure, movement, and continuous interest through the end of the growing season.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Fabaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-4 ft
- Spread: 4-6 ft
- Bloom Time: August to September
- Bloom Description: Pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Plant Lespedeza thunbergii ‘Pink Cascade’ in the spring after the danger of hard frost has passed, choosing a site that provides full sun for the best flowering potential, though it tolerates part shade. This Bush clover performs well in average, medium-moisture soils, but good drainage is absolutely essential for long-term health. It is noted for performing well even in infertile, sandy soils, which is a benefit for many landscape situations.
Watering should be consistent until the plant is fully established, after which it exhibits some drought tolerance. Avoid the temptation to over-fertilize, as this can encourage lush foliage growth at the expense of abundant blooms. Maintenance centers heavily around annual pruning. Because the plant blooms only on new growth, prune the stems back significantly in late winter or early spring, either heavily shaping them or cutting them entirely to the ground.
The mature root system is winter hardy down to Zone 6, meaning that dieback of top growth during severe winters is common, requiring the standard late-winter pruning. This annual pruning regime encourages the rapid development of the showy summer stems. Furthermore, Lespedeza thunbergii ‘Pink Cascade’ can naturalize over time, spreading by reseeding and by prostrate stems that root where they touch the ground.
Landscape Uses
The cascading habit of Lespedeza thunbergii ‘Pink Cascade’ makes it extremely versatile in ornamental design. It functions beautifully as a specimen plant due to its late-season floral display, drawing the eye when other flowering shrubs fade. Consider planting it at the edge of shrub borders or using it on slopes and hills where its fountain-like form can spill gracefully.
Due to its robust flowering and relatively quick growth after pruning, this Bush clover is excellent for cottage gardens, creating a soft, romantic texture. It is also well-suited to spill artfully over the edge of low retaining walls, softening hardscape elements. Mix Lespedeza thunbergii ‘Pink Cascade’ with later blooming perennials that appreciate similar sun and water conditions, such as asters or sedums, to maintain continuous autumn interest.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lespedeza thunbergii, commonly called bush clover, is a deciduous, semi-woody shrub with an arching, fountain-like habit. When cut to the ground in late winter to early spring, it responds by producing rapid annual growth to 3- 6’ tall and as wide during the following growing season. ‘Pink Cascade’ features pink flowers on a more compact plant that typically grows to 3-4’ tall with a slightly larger spread, complemented by blue-green foliage that turns yellow in the fall.
Tolerances
- Tolerates drought once established
Potential Problems
This plant is generally reliable, presenting no serious insect or disease problems that significantly impact its health or aesthetics. Good cultural practices, especially ensuring excellent drainage, are the best form of preventative care. Monitor for excessive vigor if nitrogen fertilizer is applied inadvertently, though this is generally not a major structural issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Bush clover suitable for?
Lespedeza thunbergii ‘Pink Cascade’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 8.
How large does Lespedeza thunbergii ‘Pink Cascade’ grow?
This compact cultivar typically reaches a mature height between 3 and 4 feet tall, spreading out to a width of 4 to 6 feet, creating a lovely, wide mound.
What sun exposure does Bush clover need?
For the best performance and most prolific bloom display, Lespedeza thunbergii ‘Pink Cascade’ requires full sun, although it can tolerate part shade conditions.
When does Lespedeza thunbergii ‘Pink Cascade’ bloom?
This beautiful shrub offers its primary flowering show late in the season, blooming from August into September with lovely pink flowers.
Conclusion
The arching habit and late summer bloom cycle make Lespedeza thunbergii ‘Pink Cascade’ an indispensable asset for gardeners looking to extend seasonal color. Its relative ease of care and tolerance for leaner soils position this Bush clover as a practical yet spectacular choice. Assess your local climate to ensure you fall within USDA Zones 5-8, and plan your late winter pruning schedule to enjoy the dramatic cascade of pink flowers next season.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate companions ensures that your planting area remains attractive throughout the entire growing season, complementing the late-season burst of color provided by the Bush clover. Look for plants that thrive in full sun and medium moisture but do not necessarily require rich soil amendments. Asters, hardy sedums (like Hylotelephium varieties), and ornamental grasses that mature in the fall work exceptionally well adjacent to Lespedeza thunbergii ‘Pink Cascade’. The fine texture of the grass contrasts elegantly with the dense, mounding structure of the Bush clover.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Late winter or very early spring is the critical management time for this perennial shrub. Remember that this plant blooms only on new wood, so prune aggressively when new growth is just beginning to stir. Cut all the previous year’s wood back to the ground or shape severely, depending on whether you want a completely clean slate or a slightly more established base. Avoid fertilizing heavily at any time of the year; focus instead on ensuring the location has well-drained soil. In summer, monitor moisture during prolonged dry spells, providing medium water to keep the foliage lush.
