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sophora plant

The Sophora plant, celebrated across New Zealand for its vibrant yellow blooms and impressive adaptability, is a must-have for gardeners seeking native charm and wildlife-friendly features. Often known as kōwhai, Sophora varieties bring a splash of colour in spring and attract nectar-loving birds, especially tui and bellbirds. Whether you’re looking to plant a striking specimen tree, a decorative shrub, or seeking a hardy addition for a coastal or urban garden, the Sophora plant delivers both beauty and resilience.

Sophora molloyi 'Dragons Gold' small trees in full flower at The Plant Company.

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.

From $26.15

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 '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 attractive foliage and manageable size make it perfect for a wide range of NZ gardens. The nectar rich flowers attract tūī, bellbirds, and kererū, bringing life and sound to your landscape.

From $515.35

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
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 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$169.24
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...

From$28.91
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 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$24.15
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Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

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Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

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Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

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Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

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Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

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Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

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Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

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10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

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Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

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White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

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Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

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0.5 Litre Plant Pots

0.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young plants, herbs, seedlings, and smaller ornamentals. Their compact size makes them ideal...

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Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

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Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

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Waterproof Paper Plant Tags

Waterproof Paper Plant Tags provide a practical way to label plants, trays, pots, and nursery stock while resisting moisture during everyday growing...

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2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

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3.5 Litre Plant Pots

3.5 Litre Plant Pots are a versatile choice for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other established plants. They provide generous root...

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1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

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Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

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5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

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Plant Watering Bottles provide a simple and convenient way to deliver water directly to indoor plants, seedlings, cuttings, and small container...

From$55.13
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All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

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Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

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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...

OUT OF STOCK
Sophora 'Dragon's Gold'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Disphyma, Sophora, and Zamioculcas, or related Categories - Indoor Plants, Evergreen Shrubs, and Succulents.

Search sophora plant

What Makes Sophora Plant Special?

Sophora plants are native to New Zealand and are treasured for their elegant, pinnate foliage and profuse flowering displays. The classic golden blossoms stand out against their green leaves, offering a signature look not only in gardens but also parks and reserves throughout the country. This plant is renowned for:

Sophora plants are also valued for their cultural significance, representing New Zealand’s natural heritage.

Popular Sophora Varieties

Depending on your garden’s layout and desired features, you can choose from several sophisticated cultivars and species. For compact spaces and vibrant accents, Sophora 'Dragon's Gold' offers a bushy habit and early, rich yellow flowers. If you prefer impressive stature and cascading branches, Sophora 'Goldie's Mantle' is an exceptional choice, known for its robust growth and showstopping floral displays.

Other notable Sophora plant types include:

Uses and Planting Advice

Sophora plant species thrive in sunny, sheltered locations with well-drained soils. They’re perfect for New Zealand gardens, offering erosion control on banks, reliable privacy hedges, and focal points in native-themed designs. Gardeners enjoy planting Sophora for their seasonal floral impact and the way they create habitats for birds. For best results, mulch underneath to retain moisture and avoid lawn competition, and prune after flowering to encourage a compact shape.

Sophora Plant Care Tips

Sophora plants typically require little intervention once established. Water young plants during dry spells and protect them from heavy frosts until roots are well-deepened. Regular feeding in spring or autumn assists flowering, and occasional pruning maintains their natural beauty.

Explore Sophora for Every Garden

From striking shrubs to stately trees, Sophora plants are well suited to NZ’s climate and garden styles. Dive deeper into specific options like Sophora 'Dragon's Gold', Sophora 'Goldie's Mantle', Sophora chathamica, Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai), and Sophora fulvida to find the perfect match for your space and style. Grow a Sophora plant and bring New Zealand’s iconic golden colour and biodiversity right to your doorstep.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
From trusted favourites like Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' and Gardenia 'Veitchii' to fresh faces like Mazus pumilio, Stachys byzantina, and Pandorea jasminoides variegata — we’ve got you covered.
–The Plant Company

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