Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Lespedeza

Species:

Lespedeza thunbergii subsp. formosa

USDA Symbol:

LEFO3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

200 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

pink, purple

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies, birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from crown and roots after fire or cutting back to ground level.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

prefers open, sunny habitats

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Scarification improves germination. Seeds may also benefit from hot water treatment before cold stratification.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI