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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 'Dragons 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: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, 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. This coastal kōwhai is fast growing, hardy, and highly attractive to native birds such as tūī and kererū.

From $323.65

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
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...

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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 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 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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Native Plant Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth in a wide range of NZ native plants. It provides balanced nutrition to...

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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 '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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Sophora 'Te Atatu Gold' yellow flowers with green foliage.
Sophora 'Te Atatu Gold'

Sophora 'Te Atatu Gold' is a stunning compact kōwhai variety prized for its masses of golden yellow flowers that brighten NZ gardens in spring. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Sophora davidii

Sophora davidii is a hardy deciduous shrub originating from China, admired for its delicate blue green foliage and sprays of pea like blue flowers in...

OUT OF STOCK
Sophora chathamica 'Milligold' yellow flowers with green foliage.
Sophora 'Milligold'

Sophora 'Milligold' (Weeping Kōwhai) is a graceful New Zealand native tree with a weeping habit and masses of bright yellow flowers in spring. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Sophora 'Gnome' yellow flowers with green foliage.
Sophora 'Gnome'

Sophora 'Gnome' is a delightful dwarf kōwhai variety perfect for compact spaces. It produces an abundance of golden yellow flowers in spring that...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Sophora japonica 'Pendula' specimen tree with pendulous, green foliage.
Sophora japonica 'Pendula' (Weeping Japanese Pagoda Tree)

Sophora japonica 'Pendula' (Japanese Pagoda Tree) is an elegant ornamental tree admired for its weeping form and lush green foliage. This unique...

OUT OF STOCK
Sophora molloyi yellow flowers.
Sophora molloyi (Cook Strait Kowhai)

Sophora molloyi is a compact New Zealand native kōwhai cherished for its masses of bright yellow flowers that burst into colour each spring. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Sophora 'Dragons Gold'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Kniphofia, and Sophora, or related Categories - Moss Poles, Plant pots, and Perennials.

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 Rose 'Flower Carpet White' and Magnolia stellata 'Waterlily' to fresh faces like Buddleia 'Lochinch', Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium', and Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris) — we’ve got you covered.
–The Plant Company

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