Lespedeza davidii

Cultivation Details

Lespedeza davidii is native from the warm temperate to subtropical zones of southern and eastern China, where it is likely to experience winter temperatures falling as low as -10°c in parts of its range. Other members of this genus, when grown in cooler climates, will often have their top-growth killed back to near the roots in all but very mild winters. However, the plants will generally resprout freely from the base in the following spring and then flower in late summer^[1]. A long growing season is required if the seed is to ripen successfully, and a hot summer will more fully ripen the wood, thus making it more likely to survive the winter^[2]. Species in this genus generally grow best in a sunny position but are tolerant of some shade. They grow well in soils of a medium to light nature, tolerating dry conditions and low fertility^[1]. Established plants are generally more or less drought tolerant^[1]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby^[3].