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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. With its compact, bushy habit and lush green foliage, Dragons Gold is a standout feature in any landscape. It is hardy, fast growing, and ideal for smaller gardens, containers, or as a striking specimen plant.

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 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.

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 '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
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$26.15
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$515.35
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...

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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...

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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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Sophora 'Dragon's Gold'

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Bergenia, Chlorophytum, Kniphofia, Monstera, Portulaca, Sedum, Sophora Strelitzia and Stromanthe, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Moss Poles, Plant pots, Planter Bags, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs Succulents and Evergreen Trees.

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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.

From trusted favourites like Duranta Geisha Girl and Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant) to fresh faces like Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle), Eucomis comosa, and Fagus sylvatica Riversii — we’ve got you covered.
–The Plant Company

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