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small kowhai tree

Are you looking for a beautiful small kowhai tree to enhance your New Zealand garden? With their vibrant golden flowers and manageable size, small kowhai trees are an excellent choice for gardeners seeking native flair without overwhelming their space. Whether you’re creating a courtyard oasis, revamping a lifestyle block, or adding colour to urban planting schemes, the small kowhai tree offers visual impact, birdlife attraction, and year-round interest.

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.

From $25.58

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 'Little Baby' small plant in a pot.

Sophora 'Little Baby'

Sophora 'Little Baby' is a delightful dwarf kōwhai variety that produces masses of golden yellow flowers in spring. With its compact size and dense foliage, it is perfect for smaller gardens, patios, or container growing. The flowers are rich in nectar, attracting tūī, bellbirds, and kererū, adding life and sound to the garden. Hardy and easy to grow, Sophora 'Little Baby' is an excellent choice for NZ gardeners wanting a small yet striking native plant.

From $25.58

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.30 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian, Rock
Sophora prostrata plant growing with a backdrop of Coprosma 'Poor Knights'.
Sophora prostrata

Sophora prostrata (Prostrate Kōwhai) is a unique New Zealand native shrub known for its distinctive zigzag stems and small bright yellow flowers...

From$24.23
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
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
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
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 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 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...

From$22.28
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Robinia pseudoacacia Umbraculifera

Robinia pseudoacacia Umbraculifera is a small, deciduous tree that grows as a dense ball of soft-looking, very aesthetic foliage. The leaves emerge a...

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Cercis canadensis Texas White

Cercis canadensis Texas White, commonly known as the White Redbud tree, is a small tree grown for its colourful foliage, great form, and lovely...

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Cercis canadensis Hearts of Gold (Redbud)

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Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' is a striking perennial valued for its bold foliage and rich garden presence. Large broad leaves form lush clumps that...

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Cercis Ruby Falls (Ruby Falls)

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Tilia cordata, commonly known as the Small Leaved Lime, is grown for its lush foliage and great form. The medium sized, heart-shaped leaves emerge in...

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Styrax japonica

Styrax japonica is a small, deciduous tree grown for its fragrant flowers and colourful autumn foliage. Masses of showy and scented, white flowers...

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Cercis Oklahoma Redbud

The Cercis Oklahoma Redbud, commonly known as Eastern Redbud, is a small tree grown for its impressive foliage and flowers. Clusters of purple...

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Crataegus laevigata Rosea Flore Pleno

Crataegus laevigata Rosea Flore Pleno, commonly known as the Midland Hawthorn tree, is a small, deciduous tree grown for its prolific flowering and...

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A Kunzea robusta shrub with masses of pretty, white flowers.
Kunzea robusta

Kunzea robusta (White Tea Tree) is a fast growing NZ native tree known for its fine foliage and masses of small white flowers that attract bees and...

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Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

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PB28 Planter Bags (Growing Bag)

These PB28 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 12 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

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Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

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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...

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Azara microphylla

Azara microphylla (Vanilla Tree) is a graceful evergreen tree admired for its small glossy leaves and wonderfully fragrant yellow flowers. In spring...

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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 - Acacia, Azara, Cedrela, Cercis, Crataegus, Kunzea, Ligularia, Magnolia, Melia, Pittosporum, Robinia, Schefflera, Schinus, Sophora, Sorbus Styrax and Tilia, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Planter Bags, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Magnolia Trees.

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Why Choose a Small Kowhai Tree?

The small kowhai tree is prized for its compact growth and stunning, nectar-rich blossoms. Ideal for medium to small gardens, these varieties generally reach heights of 2–6 metres, making them much more versatile than the larger kōwhai species. Their iconic yellow blooms provide a vital food source for native birds like tūī and bellbird, while their fine foliage and graceful branches suit both formal and informal landscaping.

Best Small Kowhai Tree Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

If you’re searching for the right small kowhai tree but not sure where to start, here are a few standout options:

Growing and Caring for Small Kowhai Trees

Small kowhai trees are well-suited to a wide range of New Zealand climates. For best results, plant in full sun to encourage abundant flowering. Kowhai tolerate coastal winds and light frost once established but appreciate well-drained, fertile soils. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and water young plants during dry periods. Avoid excessive fertiliser, as kōwhai fix their own nitrogen from the air and minimal feeding is needed.

With their enchanting beauty and easy-care nature, small kowhai trees are a brilliant investment in your garden’s biodiversity and year-round appeal. Explore our collection, including Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai), Sophora molloyi (Cook Strait Kowhai), Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai), Sophora 'Goldie's Mantle', and Sophora chathamica, to find the perfect small kowhai tree for your landscape.

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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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Ficus Black Knight and Rose 'Flower Carpet White' have stood the test of time, but new generations of gardeners are discovering Hypoestes 'Splash Pink', Westringia brevifolia, and Picea glauca Conica.
–The Plant Company

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