Lespedeza thunbergii 'Gibraltar'

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Lespedeza thunbergii ‘Gibraltar’

• Common Name: Bush Clover ‘Gibraltar’

• Plant Type: Deciduous perennial shrub

• Growth Habit: Gracefully arching, fountain-like growth habit, forming a mound up to 1.5–2 m in height and similar spread.

• Foliage: Small, trifoliate, blue-green leaves that create a fine, airy texture throughout the growing season.

• Flowers: Abundant pea-like flowers in rich rosy-purple, covering the stems in late summer to early autumn.

• Flowering Period: August to September, providing vibrant colour when many plants are past their prime.

• Seasonal Interest: Fresh foliage in spring, spectacular late-summer flower display, followed by attractive seed pods into autumn.

• Garden Uses: Excellent as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or on slopes where its arching form can be showcased. Also effective in cottage gardens and pollinator-friendly schemes.

• Wildlife Benefits: Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects.

• Hardiness: Hardy in most UK and Irish gardens; may need some winter protection in the coldest areas.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun for best flowering; will tolerate very light shade but may produce fewer blooms.

• Soil Preferences: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil is ideal; sandy or loamy soils suit it well.

• pH Range: Neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0–7.0).

• Moisture Needs: Prefers evenly moist soil during the growing season but is tolerant of short dry spells once established.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early summer when the soil is warm and moist to encourage strong root growth.

• Spacing: Allow at least 1.5 m between plants to accommodate mature spread.

• Shelter Needs: Choose a warm, sheltered site to protect from strong winds and late frosts, which may damage early shoots.

• Companion Planting: Pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses, late-flowering perennials such as asters, rudbeckias, and salvias.

• Container Growing: Can be grown in large pots with free-draining compost, but best performance is in open ground.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system.

  • Once established, water during prolonged dry periods, especially in midsummer.

• Feeding:

  • Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser to encourage healthy growth and prolific flowering.

  • Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can promote leafy growth over flowers.

• Pruning:

  • Cut back hard in early spring before new growth emerges, reducing stems to 10–15 cm above ground level to stimulate vigorous new shoots and maintain compact form.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a 5–8 cm layer of organic mulch in spring to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest- and disease-free, making it a low-maintenance choice.

• Winter Care:

  • In colder regions, apply mulch over the root area in late autumn for extra frost protection.

  • Plant in a location with good winter drainage to avoid root rot.

• Weed Control: Keep the base of the plant weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

• Longevity: Long-lived with the right conditions, delivering reliable late-summer colour year after year.

• Size
  C 2 30- 40

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.