SOPHORA tetraptera

Commonly known as Kowhai

Tubular yellow pea-shaped flowers in long drooping clusters. Needs a sunny south facing wall
Further Reading....
  • Evergreen
    Pinnate leaves to 17cm (6¾in) long, each composed of up to 20 pairs of oval, dark-green leaflets 1-4cm (½-1½in) long
  • Yellow
  • Height
    To 10m (33ft)
  • Spread
    To 5m (16ft)
  • Tall Shrub
    Spreading shrub or small tree. Produces racemes to 6cm (2½in) long of 4-10 flowers to 5cm (2in) long with all the petals pointing forwards.
  • Hardy - average winter
    Hardy through most of the UK apart from inland valleys, at altitude and central/northerly locations. May suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -10°C (14°F)
  • Against a wall
  • Full sun
    Protect from cold, dry winds

SOPHORA tetraptera

 

 

  • Additional Features
    Good to know
    Unofficial national flower of New Zealand. Requires long, hot summers to flower well.
    Place of origin
    New Zealand. Introduced into UK by Joseph Banks in 1771.
  • Garden Location/Conditions
    Australian / New Zealand
    Border
    Suits a large, sunny border
    Coastal / windswept
    Cottage garden
    Town garden
  • Hardiness
    Fully hardy
  • Pruning group
    Pruning group 1
    Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
    Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
    When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.
  • Seasonal Interest
    Autumn
    Spring
    Summer
    Winter
  • Soil Conditions
    Fertile well drained soil
    Moderately fertile soil.
  • Toxic - Category C
    Harmful if eaten
    People and pets, i.e. cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, notably dogs
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sophora - Growing Guide
to 10m (33ft)
 Tall Shrub - guide for size not form Average Person
  to 5m (16ft)
  

Useful extras...

Garden Goodies
Slate Plant Labels
These wonderfully tactile natural slate plant labels are hand made in Cornwall and come with a chalk pen. Just stick them in your pot or border. Pack of 6.
Only £10.00

Garden Goodies
Slate Tie-on Plant Labels
Hand made in Cornwall, these delightful natural slate labels are perfect for pots. Comes with chalk pen. Pack of 5
Only £10.00

Vermin & Pest Control
Slug Pellets
Slug killer blue mini pellets are easy to use and give effective control of slugs and snails. Ideal in garden, conservatory or greenhouse.
Only £6.50

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Afterplant - Tomatoes
AFTER PLANT TOMATO FEED Liquid Concentrate with Bio stimulant is a high potash liquid concentrate containing seaweed extract, plant derived amino acids and other nutrients specifically formulated to benefit tomatoes and greenhouse plants.
Only £8.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Wildflower Mini Meadow
Creates a mini-meadow for attracting bees, butterflies and bugs to your garden. 200g sachet which will cover 3 square metres. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi.
2 options from £7.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Afterplant - Grow Your Own
AFTER PLANT GROW YOUR OWN seaweed is ready to use liquid concentrate that was specially formulated be used on all edible plants.
Only £8.00

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