Overview
Lespedeza ×manniana Mackenzie & Bush (pro sp.) is a hybrid plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae or the pea family. This perennial plant is a cross between Lespedeza bicolor and Lespedeza thunbergii, and is native to North America.
Common Names
Lespedeza ×manniana is commonly known as Mann's bushclover, Mann's lespedeza, and Mann's clover.
Appearance
Lespedeza ×manniana grows up to 6 feet tall and has a spreading, rounded shape. The plant has dark green, trifoliate leaves with a serrated edge. In late summer and early fall, the plant produces showy, pink to purple, pea-like flowers on tall, arching branches. The flowers give way to small, papery, brown seed pods that split open to release tiny seeds.
Uses
Lespedeza ×manniana is mainly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. It is valued for its attractive flowers and foliage, and its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. The plant is also known to attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. In addition, some Native American tribes have used the leaves and roots of Lespedeza species for medicinal purposes.
Plant Description
Lespedeza ×manniana Mackenzie & Bush (pro sp.) is a hybrid plant resulting from the cross between Lespedeza thunbergii and Lespedeza bicolor. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall with a spread of 5 feet. Its small green leaves turn yellow in the fall, and its flowers, which bloom from August to September, are pink or purple.
Light Requirements
Lespedeza ×manniana Mackenzie & Bush prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and bloom properly. If planted in too much shade, it may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
Lespedeza ×manniana Mackenzie & Bush is a hardy plant that can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. It can withstand cold temperatures as low as -20°F and hot weather as high as 90°F. However, it prefers temperatures between 60°F and 70°F for optimal growth and flowering.
Soil Requirements
Lespedeza ×manniana Mackenzie & Bush prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clayey, as long as they are not waterlogged. Adding organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to the soil before planting can improve its fertility and drainage.
Cultivation
Lespedeza ×manniana Mackenzie & Bush (pro sp.) is a hardy plant that grows well in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 9. It can be grown in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. Plant them in areas with full sun exposure, and space the plants 24 to 36 inches apart.
Watering Needs
Lespedeza ×manniana Mackenzie & Bush (pro sp.) benefits from consistent watering, though it is drought tolerant once established. Water the plant deeply once a week, and adjust if necessary based on the weather, rainfall, and soil moisture level.
Fertilization
Lespedeza ×manniana Mackenzie & Bush (pro sp.) does not require much fertilization, though adding slow-release granular fertilizer in the spring or early summer can help boost its growth. Follow the package instructions and apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, then water thoroughly.
Pruning
Prune Lespedeza ×manniana Mackenzie & Bush (pro sp.) in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back the stems to about 1 foot from the ground to promote new growth and maintain a desired shape. Deadheading spent blooms throughout the growing season can encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Propagation of Lespedeza ×manniana
Lespedeza ×manniana is a hybrid plant resulting from a cross between Lespedeza bicolor and Lespedeza thunbergii. The plant is sterile and does not produce seeds, so propagation is primarily done vegetatively. The following are the most common methods of propagating Lespedeza ×manniana:
Division
Division is an effective method of propagating Lespedeza ×manniana, especially for gardeners who already have an established plant. The best time to divide the plant is in the early spring before new growth emerges. Simply dig up the clump of the plant, separate it into smaller sections with a shovel or knife, and replant the new divisions in well-drained soil. Water the newly planted divisions well to encourage root growth.
Cuttings
Softwood cuttings are another effective method of propagating Lespedeza ×manniana. Take cuttings of new growth in the early summer, making sure they are 4-6 inches long and have at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, dip it into rooting hormone, and plant it in a container filled with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm, bright location. The cutting should develop roots within 4-6 weeks, at which point it can be planted into a larger container or in the ground.
Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced method of propagating Lespedeza ×manniana. It involves joining a stem of Lespedeza ×manniana to the rootstock of another Lespedeza plant. This method is often used for plants that are difficult to propagate by other methods or when a gardener wants to replicate a specific plant for aesthetic reasons. Grafting requires a high level of skill and knowledge, so it is typically left to experienced gardeners and professionals.
Overall, Lespedeza ×manniana is a beautiful and unique plant that can be propagated by division, cuttings, and grafting. Regardless of the method used, it is important to provide the plant with well-draining soil, consistent moisture, and plenty of sunlight in order to encourage healthy growth.
Disease Management
Lespedeza ×manniana is mostly resistant to diseases, but it doesn't mean it can't be affected by them. The most common diseases that might affect the plant are leaf spots, blights, and rust. To manage these diseases, sanitation is essential. It's important to remove and destroy all the infected plant debris to prevent the spores from spreading. In addition, it's recommended to avoid overhead watering and instead water at the base of the plant to prevent the spread of fungal spores.
If the disease persists, then fungicides can be used. However, the specific fungicide to use will depend on the type of disease and the severity of the infection. It's important to read and follow the label instructions when using fungicides.
Pest Management
Lespedeza ×manniana is not a plant that's commonly affected by pests. However, there are some insects that might occasionally feed on it, such as Japanese beetles, spider mites, and aphids.
The best way to manage these pests is by regularly inspecting the plant to detect the infestation early. If an infestation is detected, then an insecticide can be used. However, it's important to use an insecticide that's labeled for use on Lespedeza ×manniana and to follow the label instructions carefully.
Apart from using insecticides, spraying the plant with a strong stream of water can help dislodge and remove pests like aphids and spider mites. It's also important to keep the plant healthy by providing adequate water, nutrients, and sunlight as a healthy plant is less susceptible to pest infestation.
