How to Grow Bush Clover Shrub: You Won’t Believe How Easy It Is to Grow Bush Clover Shrub!

If you’re a fan of hardy, low-maintenance plants that reward you with beautiful blooms and pollinator visits, then it’s time to learn how to grow bush clover shrub. Known scientifically as Lespedeza, bush clover is a tough, deciduous shrub that offers delicate foliage and cascades of colorful, pea-like flowers from late summer to early fall. As a backyard gardener, I can say this plant has earned its place in my garden thanks to its drought tolerance, adaptability to poor soil, and its graceful, arching form.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned about how to grow bush clover shrub successfully—from selecting the right spot and planting it, to pruning and propagation.

Understanding Bush Clover: A Shrub Worth Growing

Before diving into how to grow bush clover shrub, it helps to understand what makes this plant special. Native to Asia and North America, bush clover includes several species in the Lespedeza genus. Gardeners typically grow Lespedeza thunbergii or Lespedeza bicolor, both known for their late-season flowers and airy, elegant shape.

This shrub stands out in the landscape because it provides interest when many other plants have finished blooming. It can reach 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, and its flowing form makes it great for borders, slopes, and even erosion control. I love planting it where its natural habit can shine—usually near a stone wall or at the back of a flower bed.

Reference:
Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Lespedeza thunbergii. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/

Choosing the Right Spot: Sunlight and Soil Matter

A key step in learning how to grow bush clover shrub is selecting the right location. This plant thrives in full sun—aim for at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light per day. Too much shade will result in leggy growth and fewer blooms.

As for soil, bush clover is extremely forgiving. It actually performs best in well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils with low fertility. This makes it perfect for areas of your yard where little else grows. Avoid wet, heavy soils, as the roots don’t like sitting in moisture. I’ve had the best results placing mine in slightly raised beds to ensure good drainage.

The shrub also tolerates urban pollution, making it a great choice for city gardeners.

Reference:
North Carolina State Extension. (n.d.). Lespedeza thunbergii. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lespedeza-thunbergii/

How to Plant Bush Clover Shrub

Once you’ve picked the right spot, it’s time to move on to the most exciting part of learning how to grow bush clover shrub—getting it into the ground. You can either grow it from seed or purchase a young plant from a nursery. I prefer nursery stock because it establishes faster.

Here’s how I plant mine:

1. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but no deeper.
2. If the soil is very poor, I mix in a bit of compost to give it a jump start.
3. Place the shrub in the hole, keeping the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil.
4. Backfill, pressing gently to remove air pockets.
5. Water deeply to settle the soil.

Planting is best done in early spring or fall, depending on your climate. In zones with hot summers, spring gives the plant time to establish before heat sets in.

Reference:
University of Florida IFAS Extension. (n.d.). Planting Shrubs in the Landscape. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP391

Watering, Fertilizing, and General Care Tips

Now that you’ve learned how to plant it, let’s look at how to care for bush clover. One of the best things about how to grow bush clover shrub is how little effort it requires once established.

Watering

Water regularly during the first growing season to help the shrub establish a strong root system. Once it’s settled in, bush clover is drought-tolerant and only needs water during prolonged dry spells.

Fertilizing

This shrub doesn’t need much feeding. Too much nitrogen will reduce its flower production. I apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring—just a light sprinkle is enough.

Mulching

A 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture and keep weeds down. Just don’t pile it up around the stem.

Reference:
University of Illinois Extension. (n.d.). Drought-Tolerant Plants for the Home Landscape. https://extension.illinois.edu/

Pruning Tips: Keeping It Tidy and Productive

Pruning is an essential part of knowing how to grow bush clover shrub properly. Bush clover blooms on new wood, so the best time to prune is late winter or very early spring before growth begins.

I cut mine back hard—usually to about 6 to 12 inches from the ground. This encourages new growth and helps maintain its compact, fountain-like shape. Don’t be afraid to cut it back heavily—it responds well and will grow back vigorously.

Without regular pruning, bush clover can get too large or floppy. Annual pruning keeps the shrub healthy, attractive, and full of blooms come August and September.

Reference:
Fine Gardening Magazine. (n.d.). Lespedeza thunbergii. https://www.finegardening.com/plant/lespedeza-thunbergii

Propagating Bush Clover for More Plants

Once you’ve mastered how to grow bush clover shrub, it’s easy to create more plants for your garden or to share with friends. Bush clover can be propagated by:

Seeds

Bush clover produces small seed pods in fall. You can collect and sow them after a short cold stratification period (about 30 days in the fridge). Plant them in spring for best results.

Cuttings

Take softwood cuttings in early summer and root them in a moist mix of perlite and peat moss. Use a rooting hormone for higher success.

While you can also divide mature plants, bush clover has a deep root system, so this method is a bit more labor-intensive.

Reference:
USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Lespedeza spp. https://plants.usda.gov/

Common Pests and Problems

Thankfully, one reason I always recommend learning how to grow bush clover shrub is that it’s remarkably resistant to pests and diseases. However, there are a few things to watch for:

• Root rot in poorly drained soil
• Spider mites or aphids during hot, dry periods
• Winter dieback in very cold zones (just prune it back in spring)

Generally, if you plant it in the right location and don’t overwater, you’ll have very few problems. It’s one of the easiest shrubs in my garden.

Reference:
American Horticultural Society. Plant Problem Solver. (2020).

Final Thoughts: Why I Recommend Growing Bush Clover

After growing this shrub for several seasons, I can say without hesitation that learning how to grow bush clover shrub has been a worthwhile addition to my backyard. It’s beautiful, resilient, wildlife-friendly, and asks for so little in return.

It’s perfect for gardeners who want color and movement without constant attention. Whether you’re planting it on a slope, near a deck, or in a wildflower meadow, bush clover adds character and charm.

So if you’re thinking of adding a low-fuss, high-impact shrub to your garden, give bush clover a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes one of your favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bush clover good for?
Bush clover is valued for erosion control, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and adding late-season color to gardens. It also improves soil by fixing nitrogen and requires little maintenance, making it ideal for natural landscapes, meadows, and low-water-use gardens.

Is clover a herb or a shrub?
Clover typically refers to herbaceous plants in the Trifolium genus, while bush clover is a deciduous shrub in the Lespedeza genus. So, regular clover is an herb, but bush clover is considered a shrub due to its woody stems and perennial growth habit.

Can you eat bush clover?
Bush clover is not typically consumed by humans. While some species are used in forage for livestock or to restore degraded lands, they are not considered edible or culinary herbs. Always consult a trusted source before consuming any wild plant.

What does the bush clover symbolize?
In Japanese culture, bush clover symbolizes perseverance, modest beauty, and resilience. It’s one of the “Seven Flowers of Autumn” in traditional poetry, reflecting seasonal change and transience. Its delicate yet hardy nature has long made it a symbol of quiet strength.

What do clover bushes mean?
Clover bushes, especially bush clover, often symbolize renewal, strength, and natural harmony. In landscaping, they represent sustainability due to their soil-enhancing properties and drought tolerance. Culturally, they’re associated with resilience and the beauty found in late-season transitions.

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References:

1. Missouri Botanical Garden – https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/
2. NC State Extension – https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/
3. University of Florida IFAS Extension – https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/
4. University of Illinois Extension – https://extension.illinois.edu/
5. Fine Gardening – https://www.finegardening.com/
6. USDA Plants Database – https://plants.usda.gov/
7. American Horticultural Society. Plant Problem Solver. (2020).