Lespedeza Buergeri

Description

Lespedeza Buergeri, also known as Buerger’s bush clover, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the pea family. Native to Japan and Korea, it is widely cultivated in North America as an ornamental plant. It is a fast-growing plant that can reach a height of 6 to 10 feet and a spread of 4 to 8 feet. It has a rounded shape with arching branches that give it a graceful appearance. The leaves are green and trifoliate, with each leaflet measuring about 1 ½ inches long. The flowers are pink or purple, pea-shaped, and appear in late summer or early fall. The plant produces small, dry, flattened pods containing seeds that can be propagated through cuttings or seeds.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Lespedeza Buergeri is a large, bushy shrub that grows up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The leaves are green and trifoliate, with each leaflet measuring about 1 ½ inches long. The flowers are pea-shaped, pink or purple, and appear in late summer or early fall. The plant produces small, dry, flattened pods containing seeds. This plant is often used as a border plant or a screening plant due to its size and graceful appearance.

Care Guide

Lespedeza Buergeri is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:

Water: Water your plant regularly, especially during the first growing season. Once the plant is established, it can tolerate some drought.

Fertilization: Fertilize your plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. You can also add compost or organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility.

Soil: Lespedeza Buergeri prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay soils.

Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as well in shady areas.

Hardiness Zones: Lespedeza Buergeri is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Lespedeza Buergeri is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet or poorly drained. Spider mites and leafhoppers may also infest the plant, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Habitat

Lespedeza Buergeri is native to Japan and Korea and is commonly grown in North America as an ornamental plant. It can be found in gardens, parks, and along roadsides. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Lespedeza Buergeri a good plant for attracting pollinators?

A: Yes, Lespedeza Buergeri is a great plant for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Q: How often should I prune my Lespedeza Buergeri?

A: Prune your plant in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches. You can also prune it to shape it or control its size, but be careful not to prune too much or you may reduce the plant’s flowering.

Q: Can I propagate Lespedeza Buergeri from cuttings?

A: Yes, you can propagate Lespedeza Buergeri from softwood or hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep them moist and in a bright, warm area until they root.

Q: Does Lespedeza Buergeri require a lot of maintenance?

A: No, Lespedeza Buergeri is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established. Just make sure to water it regularly during the first growing season and fertilize it in early spring.

Related Plants

• Lespedeza Capitata
• Lespedeza Cuneata
• Lespedeza Japonica
• Lespedeza Thunbergii

References

• “Lespedeza Buergeri.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c612.
• “Lespedeza Buergeri.” Gardenia, www.gardenia.net/plant/lespedeza-buergeri-burgers-bush-clover.
• “Lespedeza Buergeri.” North Carolina State Extension, content.ces.ncsu.edu/lespedeza-buergeri.