Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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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'

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.

Buy Sophora 'Dragon's Gold'

From $28.28

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 '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. Hardy and adaptable, Sophora 'Goldies Mantle' is a versatile plant that combines beauty, resilience, and ecological value.

Buy Sophora 'Goldie's Mantle'

From $457.29

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

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:

Drought tolerance and low-maintenance care
Attracting native birds and pollinators
Swift establishment in well-drained soils
Versatility in planting, from stand-alone trees to hedges

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:

Sophora chathamica: Naturally found on New Zealand’s Chatham Islands, this species boasts lush, spreading foliage and generous flowering.
Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai): Displaying larger flowers and a more upright growth, Godley’s Kowhai is ideal for those who prefer grand landscaping.
Sophora fulvida: With more compact growth and dense foliage, Sophora fulvida provides a stylish option for smaller gardens or spaces where you want native greenery and colour.

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.