Gibralter Bush Clover

Gibralter Bush Clover (Lespedeza thunbergii 'Gibralter')

Gibralter Bush Clover (Lespedeza thunbergii 'Gibralter') is a bold, deciduous shrub that delivers a dramatic late-season floral display with arching stems covered in rosy-purple blooms. A cultivar of the Japanese bush clover, it offers a graceful, fountain-like habit and vibrant flower clusters that emerge in late summer and continue into fall, drawing pollinators and turning heads. This fast-growing perennial shrub dies back to the ground in winter, returning each year with renewed vigor and color.

Distinctive Features

'Gibralter' is known for its cascading stems that grow up to 5 to 6 feet tall and wide during the growing season, forming a rounded mound that flows like a waterfall of foliage and blooms. From late August into October, the arching branches are smothered in vibrant pink-purple pea-like flowers, providing color when few other shrubs are in bloom. Despite its large seasonal presence, the plant dies back to the ground in winter, making spring cleanup simple.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerant of poor or sandy soils
• Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Eye-catching summer bloom display creates seasonal impact
• Slopes and Banks: Arching habit flows naturally over hillsides
• Pollinator Gardens: Late blooms attract bees and butterflies
• Mixed Borders: Adds contrast and color in late-season plantings
• Naturalized Areas: Informal habit suits meadows and wild gardens

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water occasionally during extended dry periods
• Pruning: Cut back to the ground in late winter or early spring
• Fertilizing: Rarely needed; overly rich soil may reduce flowering
• Mulching: Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds in early growth
• Pest Resistance: Very few insect or disease problems

Why Choose Gibralter Bush Clover?

• Late-Season Color: Blooms when many other plants are finished
• Graceful Habit: Fountain-like form adds movement and softness
• Drought Tolerant: Thrives with little supplemental water
• Pollinator-Friendly: A magnet for late-season butterflies and bees
• Focal Point: A showstopper in full bloom, perfect for high-visibility spaces

Lespedeza thunbergii 'Gibralter' brings drama, color, and resilience to the late-season garden. With its graceful habit and impressive floral show, it�s a standout perennial shrub that earns its place in pollinator-friendly and low-maintenance landscapes alike.