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

sophora molloyi dragons gold

Sophora molloyi Dragons Gold is a standout native New Zealand shrub, prized for its year-round glossy foliage and remarkable golden-yellow flowers. Compact and resilient, this small kōwhai is ideal for gardens of all sizes, coastal or urban landscapes, and even container growing. Its tidy habit, extended flowering season, and ability to attract native birds make it a first-choice feature plant for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet stunning focal point. Whether you're looking to add lasting colour to your borders or provide vital food for tui and bellbirds, Sophora Dragons Gold delivers beauty and biodiversity.

Sophora 'Dragon's Gold'

5 from 6 customers

Sophora 'Dragons Gold' is a highly ornamental NZ native shrub renowned for its early and vibrant golden yellow flowers. Blooming in late winter and early spring, this stunning kowhai hybrid attracts tui, bellbirds, and other nectar feeding birds to the garden.

Sophora molloyi 'Dragons Gold' small trees in full flower at The Plant Company.
  • Suited to regions:
    Subtropical, Temperate
  • Plant type:
    Shrubs
  • Height:
    2.00 m
  • Spread:
    2.50 m
  • Flowering time:
    Spring, Winter
  • Tolerances:
    Extended dry periods, Hardy
  • Garden uses:
    Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas
  • Garden styles:
    Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Most Popular 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...

From$28.91
Sophora fulvida tree with masses of yellow flowers.
Most Popular 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$169.24
A Sophora godleyi specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Most Popular 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
A Sophora chathamica tree growing in a garden with green foliage.
Most Popular 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
Sophora 'Goldies Mantle' yellow flowers and green foliage.
Most Popular 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
Cistus 'Bennetts White' white flower.
Most Popular Cistus 'Bennetts White' (White Rock Rose)

Cistus ‘Bennetts White’ is an attractive evergreen shrub known for its crisp white flowers with a yellow centre, blooming abundantly in late spring...

From$24.77
grevillea-gold-rush-2
Most Popular Grevillea 'Gold Rush'

Grevillea 'Gold Rush' is an eye catching evergreen shrub valued for its bright golden yellow flowers and fine foliage. Flowering over a long period...

From$24.95
hibiscus-syriacus-snowdrift--1
Most Popular Hibiscus 'Snowdrift'

Hibiscus 'Snowdrift' is a beautiful deciduous shrub known for its large pure white blooms that create a fresh and elegant display through summer and...

From$19.95
Ilex 'Sky Pencil' shrubs with elegant, green foliage growing against a wall.
Most Popular Ilex 'Sky Pencil'

Ilex ‘Sky Pencil’ is a striking, upright holly prized for its narrow, columnar shape that adds vertical interest to gardens. This evergreen shrub...

From$27.53
A Rosemary 'Blue Lagoon' shrub with blue flowers in a mixed planting.
Most Popular Rosmarinus 'Blue Lagoon'

Rosmarinus ‘Blue Lagoon’ is a hardy, evergreen shrub prized for its aromatic foliage and vibrant deep blue flowers. Blooming from late winter through...

From$22.01
Sophora 'Dragon's Gold'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Sophora or Evergreen Shrubs. Alternatively, forage through similar ideas like sophora dragons gold kowhai, and sophora dragons gold nz.

Search Sophora 'Dragon's Gold'

Why Choose Sophora molloyi Dragons Gold for Your Garden?

Sophora molloyi Dragons Gold is celebrated not only for its brilliant display of clustered blooms from late winter through spring but also for its adaptability. It copes well with wind, coastal exposure, and even moderate dry spells once established. Its compact shape (growing to about 2m high and wide) means minimal pruning and easy care, making it an excellent hedge, specimen shrub, or addition to mixed native plantings.

Gardeners drawn to the unique charm and resilience of New Zealand natives often consider Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai) or Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai), but Dragons Gold stands out for its especially long flowering period and compact form. If you want the cheerful golden blooms of kōwhai in a space-saving, easy-care package, Dragons Gold is an exceptional option.

Planting and Care Tips for Sophora 'Dragons Gold'

For best results, plant Sophora molloyi Dragons Gold in a sunny to partly shaded spot with well-drained soil. This hardy shrub tolerates a range of soils, from clay to sandy, and adapts well to coastal conditions. Water regularly while establishing, but take comfort in its drought tolerance after the first season. Annual mulching and the occasional trim after flowering will keep your plant healthy and shapely.

If you love the look of Dragons Gold, explore similar compact kōwhai cultivars such as Sophora 'Little Baby' for smaller spaces, or add Sophora fulvida to your native display for variation in leaf and flower form.

Landscape Uses and Companion Plants

Sophora molloyi Dragons Gold fits beautifully into mixed native borders, wildlife-friendly plantings, or as a sunlit backdrop for colourful perennials. Use it in combination with New Zealand natives or pair with contrasting foliage for year-round interest.

For gardeners seeking complementary textures and colours, consider pairing with Leptospermum Tickled Pink, Rhododendron Sleepy, or Viburnum opulus (Snowball Bush). The fine divided leaves of Sophora 'Goldie's Mantle' also make an excellent foliage contrast. For evergreen structure, Pittosporum 'Chantilly' offers soft green tones, while Grevillea Tanunda introduces additional bird-attracting flowers.

Discover Dragons Gold for Your New Zealand Garden

Sophora molloyi Dragons Gold is a stellar choice for gardeners across New Zealand wanting reliable, vibrant colour and native birdlife. Its compact growth, dazzling blooms, and easy-going nature make it an essential shrub for gardens large or small. Explore our full range of native Sophora options to find the perfect fit for 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.

You know Ficus benjamina and Corokia 'Geenty's Green', but have you met Acacia 'Fettuccini', Cryptomeria japonica, and Dracaena sanderiana? These beauties are worth a closer look.
–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.

4.8

463 Google reviews