Shrubby Bush-clover Plant Care

Shrubby Bush-clover (Stylosanthes fruticosa) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Stylosanthes genus. Shrubby Bush-clover is native to Cape Verde, sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, the Arabian Peninsula, India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, and has been introduced to Hawaii. Shrubby Bush-clover is also known as Shrubby Stylo, Arachis fruticosa, Hedysarum hamatum.

Shrubby Bush-clover displays a low-growing spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Shrubby Bush-clover produces small clusters of yellow, orange, or red flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Stylosanthes fruticosa requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Shrubby Bush-clover thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Stylosanthes fruticosa grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Shrubby Bush-clover prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Shrubby Bush-clover to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Shrubby Bush-clover every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

Shrubby Bush-clover can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pencil flower plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Shrubby Bush-clover is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Shrubby Bush-clover grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Shrubby Bush-clover is native to Cape Verde, sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, the Arabian Peninsula, India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, and has been introduced to Hawaii. In cooler regions, grow Shrubby Bush-clover as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.