Overview
Lespedeza capitata Michx. is a beautiful flowering shrub that belongs to the legume family, Fabaceae. It is commonly known as round-headed bush clover, clover lesperdeza, or simply, bush clover. It is a hardy perennial plant that is native to the eastern part of North America and is appreciated for its ornamental value.
Description
Lespedeza capitata Michx. grows up to 1-2 feet in height and spreads up to 2-3 feet in width. The plant has a shrub-like appearance with multiple upright stems, each bearing deep green, trifoliate leaves. The leaves have an oval shape with a pointed tip and serrated edges. In late summer, the plant produces showy, spherical, pale-pink to lavender-pink flowers that grow in dense clusters, giving it a unique round-headed appearance.
Uses
Lespedeza capitata Michx. is primarily used as an ornamental plant in landscape gardening due to its beautiful appearance. The plant works well as a border plant or for mass planting in wildflower meadows, and it can also be used for erosion control in areas prone to soil erosion. In addition, this plant can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to your garden.
Moreover, this plant has also been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as kidney disorders and colds. Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, used the plant's roots as a traditional remedy for a range of health issues.
Conclusion
Lespedeza capitata Michx. is a stunning plant that can brighten up any garden with its beautiful, spherical flowers and lush leaves. From its ornamental value to its potential medicinal benefits, this plant is a fantastic addition to any garden or landscape.
Light Requirements
Lespedeza capitata Michx. thrives well in full sun and prefers a bright and sunny location. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow and develop properly. Insufficient light may result in weak and spindly growth, reduced flowering, and decreased overall vigor.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Lespedeza capitata Michx. requires warm temperatures for optimal growth and development. It is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9 and grows best in temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). The plant is sensitive to frost, and frost damage can occur at temperatures below 20°F (-6°C).
Soil Requirements
The soil type preferred by Lespedeza capitata Michx. is well-draining, moist, and fertile soil. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, sandy, and loamy soil. It prefers a soil pH between 6.0 to 7.0. The addition of organic matter, such as compost or manure, can improve soil fertility and provide essential nutrients for healthy growth.
Cultivation methods for Lespedeza capitata Michx.
Lespedeza capitata Michx. or the round-head lespedeza is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers full sun to partial shade. When planting, it is advisable to have it in an area with well-drained soil and good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings, so ensure to space the plant about 2 feet apart if planting multiple cuttings.
Watering needs for Lespedeza capitata Michx.
Like most drought-tolerant plants, Lespedeza capitata Michx. does not need frequent watering. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure not to water the plant too much. However, when newly planted, the plant should be watered weekly for the first few weeks until it becomes established.
Fertilization of Lespedeza capitata Michx.
Lespedeza capitata Michx. does not need much fertilization, but it is advisable to fertilize once a year in the spring to help promote healthy growth. A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer will provide adequate nutrients for the plant. Ensure not to over-fertilize as it can cause the plant to produce more foliage than flowers.
Pruning of Lespedeza capitata Michx.
Lespedeza capitata Michx. does not require regular pruning. However, it is advisable to prune the plant in the early spring to promote new growth. Dead or diseased branches should be cut off immediately to prevent the spread of disease to the rest of the plant. Cutting back the plant to about a third of its size will also help to shape it and promote more flowers.
Propagation of Lespedeza Capitata Michx.
Lespedeza capitata Michx. is a hardy, upright perennial plant that is easy to propagate. Some methods of propagation for Lespedeza capitate Michx. include:
Division
Division is the most common method used to propagate Lespedeza capitata Michx. Plants can be divided in early spring before new growth begins. To divide the plant, carefully dig up the clump and separate it into smaller sections. Each section should have a good root system and at least one healthy shoot. Replant each section at the same depth it was growing previously and water thoroughly. The new sections will establish quickly.
Seed
Lespedeza capitata Michx. can also be grown from seed. Collect seed pods in the fall when the pods have turned brown and slightly opened. Separate the seeds from the pod and store them in a cool, dry place until spring. In early spring, plant the seeds in prepared soil at a depth of about 1/4 inch. Keep the soil moist until germination occurs, which usually takes about three weeks. Transplant seedlings to their permanent location after they have developed their second set of leaves.
Cuttings
Lespedeza capitata Michx. can also be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in early summer. Take cuttings from non-flowering shoots and make sure they have at least 2-3 nodes. Remove the bottom set of leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone. Place the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist but not soaking wet. Keep the cuttings in a sheltered location with bright, indirect light until roots have formed, which usually takes about three weeks. Transplant the cuttings to their permanent location.
Disease Management for Lespedeza capitata Michx.
Lespedeza capitata Michx. is generally resistant to disease, but it can still be affected by several fungal and bacterial pathogens. One common disease of L. capitata is powdery mildew, which appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. Leaf spot is also a common disease caused by fungi that show up as brownish-black spots on the leaves, leading to defoliation.
To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain proper plant spacing and sanitation practices. Regularly remove the infected plant parts and fallen leaves from the ground to prevent the further spread of these diseases. Use fungicides to manage powdery mildew and copper-based fungicides for leaf spot.
Pest Management for Lespedeza capitata Michx.
Lespedeza capitata Michx. can also be affected by several pests. Aphids are common pests that feed on the sap of leaves. Spider mites can cause yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant, while Japanese beetles feed on the foliage, leading to defoliation.
To manage these pests, it is important to monitor the plant regularly and employ insecticides if necessary. For aphids and spider mites, insecticidal soaps or oil sprays can help to control these pests. Japanese beetles can be removed by handpicking them and dropping them in soapy water.
Overall, proper maintenance practices, including watering and fertilizing, coupled with regular monitoring for pests and diseases can improve the health and longevity of Lespedeza capitata Michx. plants.
