Thunberg bush clover (miyagino-hagi) Lespedeza thunbergii
Thunberg bush clover (miyagino-hagi) (Lespedeza thunbergii) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Fabaceae family, native to Japan and China. It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -26 °C (-15 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Thunberg bush clover (miyagino-hagi) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -26 °C (-15 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about August for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Japan and China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Thunberg bush clover (miyagino-hagi) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in standard references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Thunberg bush clover (miyagino-hagi)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Thunberg bush clover (miyagino-hagi)
- How far apart should I plant Thunberg bush clover (miyagino-hagi)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft).
- Does Thunberg bush clover (miyagino-hagi) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Thunberg bush clover (miyagino-hagi) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Thunberg bush clover (miyagino-hagi)?
- It tolerates about -26 °C (-15 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Thunberg bush clover (miyagino-hagi) flower?
- From about August for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Thunberg bush clover (miyagino-hagi) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in standard references.
- What grows well with Thunberg bush clover (miyagino-hagi)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Arching wands of rosy-purple pea flowers in early autumn; hagi is the first of Japan’s seven flowers of autumn. Behaves like a perennial: cut to the ground in late winter. Fixes nitrogen.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis