<p>(Family: Fabaceae) This free-growing shrub has long slender branches which are crowded with terminal clusters of small purple pea-like flowers (1.5cm/0.5in long) in late summer. The shoots can get 6ft (1.8m) long, and look best if given some support, or plant it on a steep bank or on top of a wall where its branches can spread freely or hang down. The leaves are blue-green, 3 oval leaflets, 5cm long.</p><p>Lespedeza does best in an open, sunny site in well-drained soil, but it will tolerate most conditions. Prune the old stems back each year in late winter as flowers are produced on the current season's growth. Treat this plant as a perennial in very cold climates. Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or sow seed in spring.</p><p>It comes from Japan and North China.</p>
