Lespedeza Virgata

Description

Lespedeza Virgata, also known as Slender Bush Clover or Virginia Bush Clover, is a beautiful flowering shrub native to the eastern United States. It belongs to the legume family Fabaceae and is a member of the Lespedeza genus. This deciduous shrub has a graceful, arching form, and can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It produces delicate, pinkish-purple flowers in late summer that attract bees and butterflies.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Fabales
Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Lespedeza

Appearance

Lespedeza Virgata has a slender, arching form with fine, delicate foliage. The leaves are divided into three leaflets and are approximately 1-2 inches long. The flowers are small, pinkish-purple, and bloom in dense clusters in late summer. The plant produces small, insignificant fruits that are not ornamental. In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful yellow color before dropping for the winter.

Care Guide

Lespedeza Virgata is a relatively low-maintenance shrub, but it does require some care to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for your Slender Bush Clover:

Water: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Afterward, water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry.

Fertilization: Fertilize once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Soil: Plant in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Lespedeza Virgata prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.

Sunlight: Plant in full sun to partial shade. Lespedeza Virgata prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Hardiness Zones: Lespedeza Virgata is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Lespedeza Virgata is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly-drained soil. It may also be affected by spider mites or scale insects. To prevent these issues, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering. If you notice spider mites or scale insects, you can treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Habitat

Lespedeza Virgata is native to the eastern United States, where it can be found growing in meadows, fields, and along roadsides. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and can grow in a wide range of soil types.

Question and Answer

Q: How tall does Lespedeza Virgata grow?

A: Lespedeza Virgata can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide.

Q: When do Lespedeza Virgata flowers bloom?

A: Lespedeza Virgata produces delicate, pinkish-purple flowers in late summer.

Q: Is Lespedeza Virgata drought-tolerant?

A: Yes, Lespedeza Virgata is drought-tolerant once established.

Q: What is the hardiness zone for Lespedeza Virgata?

A: Lespedeza Virgata is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Lespedeza Virgata:

• Lespedeza Capitata
• Lespedeza Cuneata
• Lespedeza Stipulacea

References

• “Lespedeza virginica.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=284177.
• “Lespedeza virginica.” Plant Database, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LEVI5.
• “Lespedeza virginica.” North Carolina State University, plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lespedeza-virginica/.