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kowhai tree varieties

Kowhai tree varieties are beloved icons of New Zealand gardens, celebrated for their graceful foliage and cascades of golden-yellow flowers that draw native birds like tui and bellbird. While all kowhai share their distinctive blooms, there are several species and cultivars to consider, each with unique features suited to a range of landscapes. Whether you’re seeking a striking tree for your front yard, a specimen for a native revegetation project, or a compact option for a smaller garden, exploring the incredible diversity of kowhai can help you find the perfect fit.

Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.

Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses of golden yellow flowers in spring. This semi-evergreen species is highly attractive to native birds such as tui and bellbirds, which feed on its nectar.

Buy Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

From $28.91

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 10.00 m

Spread: 6.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Hardy, Wet, Wind

Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Native

Sophora tetraptera (Large-leaved Kowhai) yellow flowers.

Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora tetraptera, commonly known as the Large Leaved Kowhai, is a striking New Zealand native tree admired for its bold foliage and spectacular yellow flowers. Flowering in spring, it produces nectar rich blooms that attract tui, bellbirds, and other native wildlife.

Buy Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai)

From $24.15

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Trees

Height: 10.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native

Popular Kowhai Tree Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

When choosing from the broad range of kowhai tree varieties, a few standouts are consistently popular for their beauty, adaptability, and garden performance.

Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai)

Known for its elegant, weeping form and silvery-green leaves, Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai) is a striking feature tree for any native garden. This North Island species often flowers profusely in early spring and is ideal for attracting nectar-feeding birds.

Sophora 'Goldie's Mantle'

With its lush growth habit and vibrant yellow flowers, Sophora 'Goldie's Mantle' is a popular horticultural selection. It offers reliable flowering and dense foliage, making it fantastic for screening, hedging, or as a showpiece in any landscape.

Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

For gardeners seeking something a little different, Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai) offers unique charm. Native to limestone country in the South Island, this species stands out with thick, glossy leaflets and shorter stature, perfect for smaller properties or containers.

Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

One of the most widespread and commonly planted kowhai, Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai) is celebrated for its resilience and adaptability. Its feather-like leaves and graceful arches make it a favourite in gardens, parks, and natural landscapes across the country.

Sophora 'Te Atatu Gold' (Te Atatu Gold Kowhai)

If you want a compact shrub that doesn’t sacrifice flower power, Sophora 'Te Atatu Gold' (Te Atatu Gold Kowhai) is an outstanding choice. Developed for its prolific spring flowering and neat form, this variety suits border plantings, smaller gardens, and urban spaces.

Choosing the Right Kowhai Variety

When selecting from various kowhai tree varieties, consider your garden size, soil type, and the ultimate tree height and shape. Upright forms like Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai) create dramatic vertical interest, while compact selections like Sophora 'Te Atatu Gold' (Te Atatu Gold Kowhai) are ideal where space is limited.

Planting several different varieties can extend the flowering season and provide ongoing food for native birds. Kowhai prefer well-draining soils and sunny positions, and once established, they’re drought-tolerant and low-maintenance—a true asset to any New Zealand garden.

Explore our full range of kowhai tree varieties and discover which of these beautiful natives will thrive in your landscape.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

kowhai tree varieties

Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai)

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