Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

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)

5 from 3 customers

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. Elegant, hardy, and versatile, the Weeping Kowhai is a stunning addition to both gardens and larger landscapes.

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)

5 from 1 customers

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. With its upright form, resilience, and seasonal beauty, the Large Leaved Kowhai is an iconic feature tree for NZ gardens and landscapes.

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
A Sophora godleyi specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.

Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai)

Sophora godleyi is a magnificent New Zealand native tree valued for its graceful weeping branches and bright yellow flowers that appear in spring...

From$358.98
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.

Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$358.98
A Sophora chathamica tree growing in a garden with green foliage.

Sophora chathamica

Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kōwhai) is a stunning New Zealand native tree known for its masses of bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring...

From$358.98
Sophora fulvida tree with masses of yellow flowers.

Sophora fulvida

Sophora fulvida (Southern Kōwhai) is a beautiful New Zealand native tree admired for its golden yellow flowers and fine green foliage. Flowering in...

From$457.29
Sophora 'Goldies Mantle' yellow flowers and green foliage.

Sophora 'Goldie's Mantle'

Sophora 'Goldies Mantle' is a striking New Zealand native kōwhai variety that produces an abundance of brilliant yellow flowers in spring. Its...

From$457.29
ulmus-carpinifolia-variegata-4

Ulmus carpinifolia Variegata (Field Elm)

Ulmus carpinifolia Variegata, commonly known as Field Elm or Variegated Elm tree, is a stately, deciduous tree grown for its colourful foliage. The...

From$432.79
metasequoia-glyptostroboides-3

Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood)

Metasequoia glyptostroboides, commonly known as the Dawn Redwood, is a deciduous tree that features fine, needle like, rich-green leaves which turn...

From$343.89
sequoiadendron-giganteum-

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features...

From$299.92
fraxinus-purple-spire-2

Fraxinus Purple Spire

Fraxinus Purple Spire is a popular variety of the commonly known, Claret Ash, and is grown for its impressive form and brilliant autumn colours. It...

From$343.89
aesculus-baumannii-5

Aesculus hippocastanum Baumannii

Aesculus hippocastanum Baumannii, commonly known as the Horse Chestnut, is a lovely, spreading tree. It bears large, upright sprays of double, white...

From$450.68
lagunaria-patersonia-3

Lagunaria patersonia

Lagunaria patersonia, commonly known as the Primrose Tree, is an attractive, evergreen tree featuring lovely flowers. The showy, single flowers are...

From$343.89
sorbus-scarlet-king-

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$343.89
fraxinus-excelsior-3

Fraxinus excelsior

Fraxinus excelsior, commonly known as the European Ash or Common Ash, is a large and stately, deciduous tree grown for its rich and colourful...

From$299.92
acer-princeton-gold-

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$391.14
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

From$28.28
cercis-hearts-of-gold-

Cercis canadensis Hearts of Gold (Redbud)

The Cercis canadensis Hearts of Gold tree, commonly known as the Redbud Tree or Hearts Of Gold Redbud, is a small and popular, deciduous tree grown...

From$343.89
crassula-ovata-

Crassula ovata (Money Tree)

Crassula ovata is a versatile plant ideal for New Zealand gardens, offering unique features and easy care.

From$28.28
robinia-lace-lady-

Robinia Lace Lady

Robinia Lace Lady, commonly known as the False Acacia tree, is a deciduous tree grown for its lace-like foliage and pendulous form. The showy foliage...

From$299.92
corylus-maxima-purpurea-

Corylus maxima Purpurea

Corylus maxima Purpurea, commonly known as the Purple-Leaved Filbert tree, is grown for its attractive foliage and interesting catkins. This...

From$299.92
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.

Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$26.93
schinus-molle-3

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree)

Schinus molle, commonly known as the California Pepper Tree, is an evergreen tree grown for its attractive form and foliage. The leaves are bright...

From$299.92
Melia azedarach tree.

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

From$343.89
tree-and-shrub-fertiliser-

Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$12.50
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$299.92
chiranthodendron-pentadactylon-2

Chiranthodendron pentadactylon (Monkeys Hand Tree)

Commonly known as the Monkeys Hand Tree, this is an evergreen tree grown for its flowers and stature. Amidst the lush, green foliage are borne showy...

From$146.79
magnolia-amethyst-flame-2

Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

From$299.92
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.

Tabebuia rosea

Tabebuia rosea, commonly known as Pink Poui or Rosy Trumpet Tree, is a large tree grown for its amazing flowers. Showy clusters of pink flowers coat...

From$43.13
schefflera-arboricola-

Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

The Schefflera arboricola plant, commonly known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant. The foliage is mid...

From$26.93
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.

Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$97.13
magnolia-jc-williams-3

Magnolia JC Williams (Magnolia Tree JC Williams)

Magnolia JC Williams bears masses of large and showy, rose-purple flowers through late winter and early spring. These are borne on the naked stems...

From$343.89
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Aesculus, Cedrela, Cercis, Chiranthodendron, Corylus, Crassula, Dacrydium, Fraxinus, Lagunaria, Magnolia, Melia, Metasequoia, Metrosideros, Robinia, Schefflera, Schinus, Sequoiadendron, Sophora, Sorbus Tabebuia and Ulmus, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Indoor Plants, Deciduous Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search kowhai tree

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.

Our most famous blooms include Ficus Black Knight and Rose 'Flower Carpet White', but some of our best-kept secrets are Raspberry 'Aspiring', Tulbaghia 'Dark Star' (Society Garlic), and Beschorneria yuccoides — underrated beauties ready to shine.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews