Lespedeza liukiuensis Little Volcano

Lespedeza liukiuensis 'Little Volcano' is a truly unique and attractive variety of tree clover. It stands out from others with its even later flowering season, fully blooming in October. The elegantly weeping shrub is then covered in a myriad of small 'butterfly' flowers, in a deep pink. When they fade, the foliage takes over, turning a very bright yellow, which brightens up the dark days. Growing wider than it does tall, the shrub naturally adopts a weeping habit due to its very flexible branches, which hang down to the ground. Lespedeza is adaptable in terms of soil, as long as it is well-drained, and prefers full sun, although it can tolerate light shade.

Lespedeza belongs to the vast family of Fabaceae (or Leguminosae, the third richest family in the plant kingdom with 19,500 species!) and more specifically, to the subfamily Papilionoideae (or Faboideae), whose members have flowers that are typically "butterfly-shaped". There are forty to fifty species of herbaceous, semi-woody or shrubby Lespedeza, native to North America, Asia or Australia, of which only about ten are cultivated.
Despite its name, Lespedeza liukiuensis 'Little Volcano' is not a horticultural cultivar, but a natural form discovered in Japan, in the Ryukyu Islands (an archipelago stretching between southern Japan and Taiwan), by Mr. Akari Shibamichi. Nurseryman Ted Stephens was able to obtain two cuttings, which allowed the plant to be propagated and introduced to the market. It was another nurseryman, Tony Avent, who named it "Little Volcano" because its flowering resembles a colourful explosion in autumn.

This fast-growing semi-woody shrub forms a multitude of very flexible branches, erect at the base, which quickly bend and hang down to the ground, giving it a truly elegant weeping habit. This Lespedeza therefore adopts a characteristic shape, much wider than it is tall, reaching a height of over 1.50 m and a width of up to 2.80 or 3 m in full development. However, it is rare to leave it in its natural form, especially because in cold climates, the herbaceous tips of the branches tend to freeze. It is much more common to prune it back to the ground in spring to encourage new shoots, which rejuvenates the plant and helps control its growth. The branches are adorned with compound leaves consisting of three elongated, matte medium green leaflets, resembling clover which provide a beautiful backdrop for the vibrant flowering. It begins in September, even later than other tree clover varieties, and reaches its peak in October. The plant is then literally covered in a profusion of small flowers about 2 cm wide, with the typical butterfly-like shape (like sweet peas), and a deep pink colour, clearly visible against the darker foliage. This magnificent spectacle is eye-catching in the garden, especially since late-season blooms become scarce. The flowers are sterile in this variety, which prevents its natural propagation through self-seeding. After flowering, 'Little Volcano' reveals its second asset when its foliage turns from green to a bright yellow, which is very attractive when the days are getting shorter. The deciduous leaves then fall and the plant goes dormant during winter.

Certainly one of the best choices for autumn, this Lespedeza deserves its place in the garden. It will look wonderful cascading over a wall or at the top of a slope, where its flexible and trailing growth can fully express its decorative potential. It will allow you to extend the flowering period of a bed by combining it with species that bloom in spring, such as the White Spirea (Spiraea arguta), a medium-sized shrub with superb and abundant white snow-like flowers in April-May. Plant Euonymus grandiflorus 'Red Wine' alongside it, a Spindle Tree whose foliage ignites with vibrant colours in autumn, ranging from red to purple, and you will create a breathtaking contrast. Aster novi-belgii 'Eventide', which produces a myriad of blue-purple flowers at the same time as your Lespedeza, will also be a perfect companion to brighten up your autumn.