Campylotropis macrocarpa - This close relation of Lespedeza, the Bush Clover, makes a spectacular late season display of pea flowers. Florets in great quantities emerge violet-purple and white nicely spaced in a whorl on 3-inch racemes, the stems of which remain reddish in handsome contrast. The pea florets are lovely. Deep green tri-foliate leaves are quite handsome and some may say they supersede the beauty of those of Lespedeza. And though they may be more bold than those the Bush Clover which is gentle, relatively soft and very attractive... it just depends upon your aesthetic bent and the plants with which you may choose to contrast. Autumn leaf color is golden. As with Lespedeza the shrub's form is vase-shaped in the early season but gradually, gracefully weeps into a domed fountain which is aided by the weight of the multitudinous flowers. Plant in average to fertile draining soil in plenty of sun. Drought tolerant once established. Treat it like a Lespedeza and cut it down in late autumn or spring before new shoots arise. However, if you plant at the southern end of its range it is likely to sprout in spring from old wood. Established pot grown shrub from cutting.
In regards to autumn planting: Generally we caution that plants near and at the northern end of their climate range are best considered for spring planting so they have a chance to settle in and grab hold to their new environs. If you purchase a tricky plant now and it perishes in the winter please understand that we will not take responsibility. If you are uncertain be prudent, wait until spring.