Lespedeza thunbergii

Lespedeza thunbergii is a medium-sized deciduous shrub or semi-shrub with a broad, upright shape and drooping, arching branches. It flowers quite late, from August to September with large rose-purple flower clusters, later followed by small brown elliptical seed pods, containing only 1 seed. The leaves are elliptic, trifoliate and blue-green on the upper side and gray-green and hairy on the underside. The lespedeza likes a position in full sun or partial shade and in neutral, acidic to slightly calcareous soil. The plant flowers on annual wood and can be pruned back every year. It is fairly hardy, but young branches can freeze a bit, attracting butterflies and bees.