Lespedeza thunbergii

Common name: Bush clover

Description: The arching branches are loaded with rose-purple flowers from late summer through fall which creates a fountain of color. The pea-shaped flowers appear on 6-inch racemes. This drought-tolerant shrub grows up to 6 feet high and wide.

Landscape use: Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. Its habit is ideal to use for cascading over a retaining wall. It’s also good in containers.

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

Some cultivars: ‘Spring Grove’ (pictured) – Violet-pink flowers, variety grows up to 6 feet high and wide. ‘Gibraltar’ – Lavender-pink flowers, selection grows to 6 feet high and 12 feet wide. ‘White Fountain’ – As its name implies, cascading white flowers. ‘Spilt Milk’ – Variegated foliage coupled with lavender flowers.
 

Photo courtesy of dancing oaks nursery; www.dancingoaks.com