Origin
Lespedeza ×brittonii Bickn. (pro sp.), also known as Britton's lespedeza, is an intergeneric hybrid plant that originated from the cross-breeding of two species; Lespedeza bicolor and Lespedeza thunbergii, both native to Japan. The hybrid was first discovered in the wild in Essex County, Massachusetts in 1910 and was later introduced in the horticulture trade by Elbert L. Little, Jr. in 1950.
Common Names
Britton's lespedeza, commonly referred to as bush clover or shrub bush clover, has a range of other names depending on the region of growth or country. In Japan, it is known as hanage-mo or yamabuki-mo, while in China, it is called da ji. In the United States, it goes by the names Bush Clover, Japanese Bush Clover, and Lespedeza thunbergii 'Elegantissima'.
Uses
Britton's lespedeza is popularly used as an ornamental plant in gardens, parks, and other landscaping projects. Its dense and upright habit, along with its attractive foliage and flowers, make it an excellent choice for hedges, borders, and accent plantings. The plant is highly adaptable to different soil types and can effectively control erosion on slopes and banks.
Medicinally, the plant is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat constipation, reduce inflammation and promote blood circulation.
General Appearance
Britton's lespedeza is a deciduous, shrubby perennial plant that can grow up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide. The plant is characterized by its woody stems, bright green leaves, and small, brightly colored flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. The leaves are divided into three to five leaflets, while the flowers are in clusters of ½ to ¾ inch long, pink to purple, or white. The fruit is a brown, flat pod that contains a single seed. The plant blooms in late August and may continue to flower until October.
Growth Conditions for Lespedeza ×brittonii Bickn. (pro sp.)
Lespedeza ×brittonii Bickn. (pro sp.) belongs to the family Fabaceae and is commonly known as hybrid lespedeza. It is a deciduous, perennial shrub that can grow up to 1 meter tall. This plant is a hybrid species and prefers specific growth conditions to thrive.
Light Requirements
Lespedeza ×brittonii Bickn. (pro sp.) requires full sun to grow successfully. As a result, it should be planted in locations that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The plant cannot tolerate shade, and the foliage will become sparse and leggy if grown in a shaded area.
Soil Requirements
Lespedeza ×brittonii Bickn. (pro sp.) prefers moist, well-drained soils. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. However, the soil must be well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Addition of organic matter, such as well-rotted manure or compost, can improve the soil's moisture and nutrient-holding capacity, leading to better plant growth.
Temperature Requirements
Lespedeza ×brittonii Bickn. (pro sp.) prefers moderate temperatures for optimum growth. The plant will grow best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8, which typically experience an average winter temperature of -34 °C (-30 °F) to -4°C (25°F) and an average summer temperature of 16°C (60°F) to 32°C (90°F). The plant is generally frost-tolerant once established and can withstand occasional drought conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Lespedeza ×brittonii Bickn. (pro sp.) is a perennial plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. When planting, ensure that there is enough space between each plant, as they tend to spread. The plant is hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as -40°F.
Watering Needs
Lespedeza ×brittonii Bickn. (pro sp.) prefers to be grown in soils that are moist but not water-logged. It can withstand drought conditions, but you do not want to wait until the soil has completely dried out before watering. Typically the plant needs about 1 inch of water per week, and this can be increased if the temperatures are high and if the soil dries out quickly.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Lespedeza ×brittonii Bickn. (pro sp.) is not necessary. However, if you want to enhance growth, you can apply fertilizer during the plant's growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer or one that has more phosphorus than nitrogen. Avoid fertilizers with high nitrogen content because they will favor excessive foliar growth and not enough blooming.
Pruning
Pruning the plant is not necessary, but if you want to promote bushy growth, prune at the end of the winter season. Cut about a third of the plant's height and remove any damaged or diseased branches. Deadheading the spent blooms will also encourage more growth and more blooms.
Propagation of Lespedeza ×brittonii Bickn. (pro sp.)
Lespedeza ×brittonii Bickn. (pro sp.) is a perennial legume that is commonly propagated through seeds and cuttings. The following are the different methods of propagation:
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds are the primary method of propagating Lespedeza ×brittonii Bickn. The seeds should be planted in the spring or fall in a well-drained soil. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/4 inch. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 10-14 days.
Propagation through Cuttings
Cuttings are another way of propagating Lespedeza ×brittonii Bickn. Cuttings should be taken in the fall, just before the plant goes into its dormant period. The cutting should be taken from the base of the plant and should be about 4-6 inches long. The leaves should be removed from the lower half of the cutting and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and watered frequently until roots form, which can take up to 6-8 weeks.
Dividing the Plant
Another method of propagating Lespedeza ×brittonii Bickn. is by dividing the plant. This method is best done during the plant's dormancy period in the fall. The plant should be dug up and the roots should be divided into smaller sections, making sure that each section has a healthy root system and at least one dormant bud. The sections should be planted in a well-draining soil, with the top of the root ball just below the soil surface. The soil should be kept moist until the plant becomes established and starts growing.
Disease and Pest Management for Lespedeza ×brittonii Bickn.
Lespedeza ×brittonii Bickn. is a hardy plant that is susceptible to various pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spot, defoliation, and stem cankers. To manage anthracnose, prune infected branches and sanitize pruning tools to prevent the spread of the fungus. Use fungicides labeled for anthracnose management.
Crown Rot: This disease causes dehydration, wilting, and ultimately plant death. To manage crown rot, remove infected plants and destroy them, disinfect the area, and avoid planting new lespedezas in the same area for a few years.
Mosaic Virus: Infected leaves will exhibit mottled yellow and green patterns. There is no cure for mosaic virus, and infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus to other plants.
Pests
Aphids: These small, pear-shaped pests inhabit young growth, leaving behind sticky residue and causing leaf curling and distortion. To manage aphids, encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, or use a horticultural soap to suffocate them.
Spider Mites: These tiny pests suck plant juices, causing yellow stippling and eventual leaf death. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant, prune off infested branches, and use an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Japanese Beetles: These pests feed on flowers and foliage, causing leaf skeletonization and flower damage. To manage Japanese beetles, handpick them and drop them in soapy water, use pheromone traps or insecticides labeled for Japanese beetle management.
Regular monitoring and proper cultural practices like good drainage, proper watering, and fertilization can promote healthy plants and reduce the incidence of pest and disease problems in Lespedeza x brittonii.
