Origin
Lespedeza ×nuttallii, commonly known as Nuttall's bushclover, is a hybrid plant that originated from the crossing of Lespedeza virginica and Lespedeza stuevei. The plant belongs to the Fabaceae or Leguminosae family and is native to the United States.
Common Names
Nuttall's bushclover is the most commonly known name for Lespedeza ×nuttallii. Other common names are Nuttall's lespedeza, Virginia bushclover and Nuttall's ticktrefoil.
Uses
Lespedeza ×nuttallii serves ornamental purposes and it's commonly used in gardens, parks, and other landscaped areas. The plant is highly valued for its showy, pink to purple flowers that bloom from June to August.
In addition to its ornamental value, Nuttall’s bushclover is also used in medicinal practices. The leaves of the plant are known to have diuretic and fever-reducing properties. The plant has been used to treat inflammatory disorders and to reduce symptoms like pain, swelling, and fever.
General Appearance
Nuttall’s bushclover is a herbaceous, perennial plant that grows up to 3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. The plant has a spreading habit and forms a dense, bushy cluster with arching stems and leaves on it.
The leaves of the plant are trifoliate, oval in shape, and have a dark green color. The flowers are pink to purple in color, and grow in showy, elongated clusters at the end of the stems. The plant bears fruit in the form of small, flattened pods that are brown in color.
Nuttall’s bushclover prefers to grow in well-drained soils and in areas with full sun exposure. The plant is drought-tolerant and can grow in a wide range of soil types, making it a low-maintenance garden plant.
Light Requirements
Lespedeza ×nuttallii Darl. typically grows well in full sun to partial shade conditions. However, it is more common to find them in areas with substantial amounts of sunlight. Insufficient sunlight may lead to spindly stems and poor flowering capabilities.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures between zones 5 to 8. This means that the temperature typically ranges between -26.1 °C to -6.7 °C (-15 °F to 20 °F) for zone 5 and 3.9 °C to -12.2°C (25 °F to 10 °F) for zone 8. It is also worth noting that temperature inversions, which are common in low-lying areas, may adversely affect this plant's growth and flowering.
Soil Requirements
Lespedeza ×nuttallii Darl. grows well in well-drained soils with a pH ranging between 5.8 to 6.5. These soils should also be rich in nutrients and organic material to facilitate good vegetative growth and flowering capabilities. The plant has moderate drought toleration once established, but its drought tolerance is poor when young. Additionally, it is relatively tolerant of salty soils and can grow comfortably in soils with a high salt concentration.
Cultivation
Lespedeza ×nuttallii Darl. (pro sp.), commonly known as Nuttall's lespedeza, is a beautiful plant that is native to southeastern United States. This plant is relatively easy to grow and can thrive in most types of soil. For best results, plant Nuttall's lespedeza in a well-drained area with full sun exposure. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, which should be considered when selecting the planting location.
Watering Needs
While Nuttall's lespedeza is drought tolerant, it still requires a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, the plant can tolerate short periods of drought. While watering, ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as standing water can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Nuttall's lespedeza does not require fertilizer if planted in nutrient-rich soil. However, if the soil lacks nutrients, it is recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. It is best to fertilize the plant after the first year of growth. Nuttall's lespedeza does not tolerate high levels of nitrogen, so it is best to use a fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Pruning
Nuttall's lespedeza requires minimal pruning. However, it is recommended to prune the plant once every two years to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done during the winter or early spring while the plant is dormant. Remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches and lightly shape the plant to promote bushier growth.
Propagation of Lespedeza ×nuttallii Darl. (pro sp.)
Lespedeza ×nuttallii is a hybrid between Lespedeza bicolor and Lespedeza thunbergii that is commonly referred to as Nuttall's lespedeza. It is a deciduous shrub that produces numerous flower clusters in late summer, making it popular among gardeners. There are several propagation methods that can be used to grow this plant, including seed propagation, softwood cutting propagation, and division propagation.
Propagation by seed
Lespedeza ×nuttallii can be propagated by seeds, which can be collected from the plant in the fall when they are ripe. The seeds should be scarified by rubbing them with sandpaper or soaking them in water for 24 hours to encourage germination. Once scarified, the seeds can be sown in a seed tray filled with well-draining potting soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. The seed tray should be kept moist and placed in a warm, sunny location. The seeds should germinate in 2-4 weeks, after which they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation by softwood cuttings
An alternative way to propagate Lespedeza ×nuttallii is through softwood cuttings, which involves taking stem cuttings from the plant in the late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from the youngest, most tender stems available, and the final cutting should be around four inches long. The leaves should be removed from the bottom two inches of the cutting, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being inserted into a pot filled with potting soil. The pot should be watered and covered with a plastic bag to help retain moisture and humidity. The cutting should take root in about 4-6 weeks, after which it can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the ground.
Propagation by division
Lespedeza ×nuttallii can also be propagated by division, which is best done in the spring or fall. The plant should be dug up carefully, and the root system should be divided into several clumps using a sharp knife or a spade. Each clump should have a portion of the plant's stem and several branches and should be replanted immediately in a new location in well-draining soil. It is essential to make sure that the roots are not allowed to dry out during the division process.
By using any of these propagation methods, gardeners can increase their stocks of Nuttall's lespedeza and enjoy the plant's beautiful flowers and foliage in their garden beds or containers.
Disease Management
The plant Lespedeza ×nuttallii Darl. (pro sp.) is susceptible to various plant diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by fungi, which causes the leaves to turn yellow or brown, and the stems and branches may also develop dark spots. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant parts and avoid overcrowding the plants.
- Bacterial Blight: This disease causes the leaves to turn yellow, brown, or black, and stem and branch tips may wilt and die. To manage bacterial blight, remove and destroy affected plant parts, and avoid overhead irrigation.
- Rust: Rust manifests as orange or brown spots on the leaves and stems. To manage rust, use fungicides and ensure proper ventilation between plants to avoid overcrowding.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew causes cotton-like patches of white or gray on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It is most prevalent in humid weather. To manage powdery mildew, use fungicides and ensure proper ventilation between plants to avoid overcrowding.
- Root Rot: Root rot is caused by fungi, and it causes the roots to become blackened and slimy. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and make sure the soil has proper drainage.
Pest Management
The plant Lespedeza ×nuttallii Darl. (pro sp.) is also susceptible to pest attacks, including:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that attack the leaves and stems, causing them to wilt and turn yellow. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap and introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs.
- Mites: Mites are tiny insects that can cause stippling on the leaves, leading to discoloration and decline. To manage mites, use insecticidal soap and introduce natural predators, such as predatory mites or lacewings.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause extensive damage to the leaves and stems, often resulting in complete defoliation. To manage caterpillars, use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) or other approved insecticides.
- Japanese Beetles: Japanese beetles are metallic green insects that feed on the leaves and flowers, leaving skeletonized foliage. To manage Japanese beetles, use pheromone traps or insecticides.
- Deer: Deer can cause severe damage to the plant by chewing on the leaves and stems. To manage deer, erect fences or use deer repellents around the plant.
