Little Volcano Bush Clover is a deciduous, semi-woody shrub that erupts into rosy-purple flowers each late summer, transforming gardens with its fountain-like arching habit and drooping flower panicles. Hardy from zones 6 to 10, this subspecies of Lespedeza thunbergii grows 3 to 6 feet tall and equally wide, creating a striking seasonal display when other plants fade. The bluish-green trifoliate leaves provide fine texture throughout the growing season, and the plant's drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, sandy soils make it an excellent addition to gardens that demand resilience.
Partial Sun
Moderate
6-10
72in H x 120in W
—
Low
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Watch this shrub transform from a neat mound in spring into a cascading fountain of rosy-purple flowers by late August. The flowers hang in loose, pendulous panicles up to 2 feet long, creating an almost luminous effect as they sway in late-summer breezes. Because it blooms on new growth, even a hard winter pruning to the ground triggers vigorous regrowth and abundant flowers the following season. Once established, it laughs at drought and poor soil, thriving in conditions that would defeat pickier ornamentals.
Little Volcano Bush Clover is grown as an ornamental shrub for late-summer color and naturalized plantings. Its arching, fountain-like form and extended bloom time make it valuable for seasonal interest in mixed borders and landscapes where other shrubs have finished flowering. The plant stabilizes slopes and eroded areas through its dense root system and tolerance of difficult soil conditions.
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Prune Little Volcano Bush Clover in late winter to early spring, cutting back as needed to shape the plant and remove winter-damaged top growth. Since the plant blooms on new growth, pruning stimulates rapid annual growth and abundant flowering. Many gardeners simply cut the plant to the ground in late winter, allowing it to emerge with fresh vigor and reach its full 3 to 6 feet during the growing season.
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