Roundhead Bush Clover Plant Care

Roundhead Bush Clover (Lespedeza capitata) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Lespedeza genus. Roundhead Bush Clover is also known as Bush Clover, Aeschynomene frutescens, Despeleza capitata.

Roundhead Bush Clover displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Roundhead Bush Clover produces showy clusters of pink, purple, or white pea-like flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Roundhead Bush Clover every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Roundhead Bush Clover thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Lespedeza capitata tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Roundhead Bush Clover prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Roundhead Bush Clover to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Roundhead Bush Clover every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

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

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Roundhead Bush Clover is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Roundhead Bush Clover can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Roundhead Bush Clover while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Roundhead Bush Clover is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Roundhead Bush Clover can be propagated through seeds, division of roots. Similar propagation techniques also apply to prairie bushclover plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Roundhead Bush Clover is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites. 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.

Roundhead Bush Clover grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Roundhead Bush Clover as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.