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miniature kowhai tree

If you’re looking for a stunning native feature in a smaller garden space, the miniature kowhai tree offers all the charm of New Zealand’s beloved kowhai in a more compact form. With its delicate, feathery foliage and iconic golden-yellow flowers, a miniature kowhai tree is the perfect solution for those wanting native beauty in courtyards, containers, or small urban sections. These trees are not only visually appealing but also draw native birds such as Tui and Bellbird, who are attracted to their nectar-rich blooms.

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.

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 prostrata plant growing with a backdrop of Coprosma 'Poor Knights'.

Sophora prostrata

5 from 1 customers

Sophora prostrata (Prostrate Kōwhai) is a unique New Zealand native shrub known for its distinctive zigzag stems and small bright yellow flowers. This compact kōwhai variety is admired for its quirky structure and fine foliage, making it a striking feature in NZ gardens.

From $26.15

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Ponds
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
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$323.65
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$515.35
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$323.65
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$323.65
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...

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A Parrotia persica 'Pendula' specimen tree with pendulous green foliage.
Parrotia persica pendula (Weeping Persian Ironwood)

Parrotia persica 'Pendula', commonly known as the Weeping Persian Ironwood, is a tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours and weeping growth...

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Gardenia 'Buttons' small, white flowers and dark green foliage.
Gardenia 'Buttons'

Gardenia 'Buttons' (Miniature Gardenia) is a charming compact evergreen shrub admired for its intensely fragrant creamy white flowers and glossy dark...

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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...

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Malus 'Kaitoke' dark pink flowers.
Malus 'Kaitoke'

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Malus 'Wrights Scarlet'

Malus 'Wrights Scarlet' is a striking ornamental crabapple tree renowned for its vibrant scarlet pink spring blossom, attractive green foliage...

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Malus 'Echtermeyer'

Malus 'Echtermeyer' is a distinctive ornamental crabapple tree valued for its graceful weeping habit, masses of pink spring blossoms, attractive...

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Myoporum laetum (Ngaio) tree with lush foliage and white flowers growing in a coastal location.
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio)

Myoporum laetum, commonly known as Ngaio, is a NZ native tree grown for its lush foliage and showy flowers. It features large, fleshy, green leaves...

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Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

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A large Agathis australis (Kauri tree) in a native reserve.
Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri)

Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching...

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Koelreuteria paniculata

Koelreuteria paniculata (Golden Rain Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its bright yellow flower clusters and attractive foliage. In...

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Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

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Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
Tabebuia rosea (Pink Poui)

Tabebuia rosea is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its masses of soft pink trumpet shaped blooms that appear before the foliage in spring...

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Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

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Fraxinus griffithii

Fraxinus griffithii (Evergreen Ash) is a fast growing evergreen tree valued for its glossy foliage and neat upright form. It is well suited to New...

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Schinus molle (Peruvian Peppercorn)

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree) is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its graceful weeping branches, fine textured foliage, and attractive...

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Nestegis montana narrow green leaves on a tree.
Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire)

Nestegis montana is a hardy and attractive native tree of New Zealand, known for its upright growth habit and glossy green foliage. This evergreen...

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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...

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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...

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Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark) branch with masses of white flowers and green foliage.
Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark)

Hoheria sextylosa, commonly known as Lacebark or the Lace Bark Tree, is a quick growing, NZ native tree. The bark has a lace like appearance, hence...

From$323.65
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Jute Tree Tie

The Jute Tree Tie is non-abrasive and very popular because it wont cause tree damage. The 50 mm wide fabric is heavy duty and designed to support...

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Tree Guards (Tree Guards)

Our tree guards and plant shelters are bio-degradable products that are perfect for using in riparian areas and other exposed positions. They are...

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Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

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Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.
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Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark...

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Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
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Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' (Silk Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree valued for its graceful spreading canopy, fern like foliage, and masses of...

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Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Gardenia, Metrosideros, and Parrotia, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, and Evergreen Trees.

Search miniature kowhai tree

What Is a Miniature Kowhai Tree?

A miniature kowhai tree is a cultivated or naturally smaller variety of the classic Sophora species, chosen for its compact growth habit without sacrificing showy spring flowers or conservation value. While the traditional kowhai can reach impressive heights, a miniature kowhai tree might mature at around 2–3 metres, making it manageable for small gardens or patio pots. Some of the best options for small gardens include the naturally small-leaved Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai) and the even more compact, bushy Sophora molloyi (Cook Strait Kowhai).

Top Varieties for Small Spaces

There are several varieties particularly well-suited if you’re searching for a miniature kowhai tree:

Planting and Care Tips

Miniature kowhai trees thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. When planting, choose a spot sheltered from severe winds, and water your young tree regularly as it establishes. As native plants, miniature kowhai require minimal fertiliser and seldom suffer from pests or diseases. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a tidy, compact form.

For gardeners with limited space, a miniature kowhai tree can be grown in large containers. This adds versatility, allowing you to move and reposition your display and enjoy those iconic yellow blooms up close.

Why Choose a Miniature Kowhai Tree?

Miniature kowhai not only bring vibrant native colour but also support local wildlife. Their nectar-rich flowers are critical for native birds and pollinators each spring. Growing a miniature kowhai tree is a sustainable choice for a New Zealand garden, blending lush ornamental beauty with ecological value.

Explore our range, from Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai) to Sophora molloyi (Cook Strait Kowhai), and find the perfect miniature kowhai tree to fit your garden and support native biodiversity.

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.

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