- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 5 - 6 Feet
- Mature Spread 5 - 6 Feet
- Growing Zones 5 - 8
Are you looking for a shrub that can fill in a large naturalized area, stabilize a hillside, block out all weeds, attract beneficial pollinators in droves, and provide habitat for local wildlife through the year? Gibraltar Bush Clover is THAT shrub. This beauty is absolutely dripping with pink flowers late in the summer and early fall. It is in the legume family, and as such, can absorb nitrogen from the air and sequester it in its roots as nodules. In a sense, it makes its own fertilizer and seldom needs additional nutrition. Also known as Lespedeza thunbergii ‘Gibraltar’, this may be the easiest and most beneficial plant for the landscape that you can find.
Not only does this plant have a great look in the summer while in bloom, but its architectural, fountain shape is dramatic when covered in snow during the winter. Gibraltar Bush Clover grows quickly, and a yearly hard pruning of all top growth keeps this shrub compact and within bounds. Drought tolerance is high for Bush Clover. It will require little supplemental watering after the first 2-3 years in the ground. The variety Gibraltar is a bit more restrained than other types of Bush clover and could even be planted in large groups of 3 or more if the space is available. Gibraltar Bush Clover would also make a lovely addition to a mixed flowering hedge.
Gibraltar Bush Clover Care
Bush Clover requires full sun to bloom the best. Soil of any texture is acceptable. Provide one inch of water weekly for the first 2-3 years. No supplemental fertilizing is required. This plant collects nitrogen from the air and uses it to enrich the soil. Gibraltar Bush Clover is winter hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Bush Clover requires heavy pruning at the end of the winter to encourage vigorous blooming and growth. Cut the fountain-like branches back to 6-8 inches above the soil, preferably cutting right above a growth node. The branches will quickly grow to 5-6 feet long by the fall. No extra care is needed over the winter.
Gibraltar Bush Clover Spacing
Bush Clover is a shrub with a large footprint. The 6-foot x 6-foot shape forms a mound with branches weeping to the ground. Pace any surrounding plants at least 6 feet away from this shrub. Space Bush Clover plants 6 feet apart, center on center if planting in groups.
Gibraltar Bush Clover Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
| Plant Type: Bushes |
| Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 5 - 6 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 5 - 6 Feet |
| Spacing: 5 - 6 Feet |
| Habit: Spreading |
| Flower Color(s): Pink, Purple |
| Flower Description: Purplish And Bluish |
| Bloom Period: |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: |
| Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering |
| Watering: Low |
| Resists: Disease, Pests & Insects |
| Tolerates: Drought |
| Attracts: Bees |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Borders, Erosion Control, Groundcovers, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Low Maintenance |
| Brand: |
| Common Name: Gibraltar Bush Clover |
| Other Name(s): |
| Scientific Name: Lespedeza thunbergii 'Gibraltar' |
- SKU:
- 1231003771-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations