LESPEDEZA thunbergii. China. Beginning with the lupines at home, I have long been enchanted by the beauty and variety of the pea family. Here is yet another one to appreciate; the wonder is that we did not grow it long ago. This is a woody-based perennial with limber, arching stems, reaching 3-6’ in length. Along them are dark green leaves with triplets of 1-2" leaflets. Branched, drooping flower clusters begin to develop in middle to late summer, extending as much as two feet and carrying masses of brightly painted blossoms. The typical coloring is rosy purple with lighter markings. ‘Gibraltar’, received from Woodlanders, is even darker. ‘Alba’, which came recently from our friends at Forestfarm, has pure white flowers. ‘White Fountain’, received from Heronswood Nursery, seems to be an even more graceful white-flowered selection. All thrive in sun or light shade, with reasonably well drained, non-alkaline soil and moderate watering. Hardy to about 0^oF.