Lespedeza thunbergii

Richard,
I can highly recommend both L. thunbergii 'White Fountain' and L.
thunbergii 'Gibraltar'.  As an erstwhile Virginian both prospered in my
Zone 7 garden.
 L. 'Gibraltar,'  named and  selected by Bill Frederick, was found
growing at the old Gibraltar estate in Wilmington, Delaware.  It is
covered in masses of  weeping rich pink/purple pea-like flowers from
August through September.
My L. 'White Fountain' came from Nancy Goodwin of Montrose nursery in
North Carolina.  It blooms about three weeks later than 'Gibraltar;
usually in early October with Anemone 'Honorine Jobert'.  It is
considered superior to L. thunberii 'Alba' because it blooms earlier
(important if you are in a colder climate) and it has larger flowers,
and it doesn't revert back to purple flowers as is often the case with
'Alba' Although Lespedezas are listed as being hardy to U.S.D.A. Zone 5,
I can't imagine why anyone would grow them in colder climates as they
would be lost to frost before one could enjoy the blooms. The plants
take several years to reach their full stride; I remember asking myself
what all the fuss was about when they were youngsters.   That was year
two.  Since then, they have been spectacular.  Mature specimens resemble
floral water fountains.
Plants of 'Gibraltar' and 'Alba' can be obtained on-line from Niche
Gardens at http://www.nichegdn.com
Niche also offers Lespedeza bicolor 'Li'l Buddy,' a compact form growing
to 3 feet.  Its leaves are narrower than L. thunbergii, and flower color
is  a rosy purple. If you are an impatient gardener like me, you can
bypass the juvenile non-flowering stage by taking a cutting from a
non-flowering shoot of a mature specimen.

Best,
Julie Finn
Sarasota, Fl
USA
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