Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
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 Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 5-6 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 5-6 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Spreading
- Water Needs
- Dry
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Pink, Purple
- Flower Description
- Pea-like flowers in shades of lavender-pink, rosy-purple, and magenta
- Bloom Time
- Late Summer to Fall
- Blooms On
-
New Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Gibraltar Bush Clover
- Botanical Name
- Lespedeza thunbergii 'Gibraltar'
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!