Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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where to buy kowhai tree

If you’re searching for where to buy kowhai tree, you’re in the right place. New Zealand’s iconic kowhai adds vibrant yellow blooms and essential habitat to gardens and landscapes nationwide. Whether you’re planting for birds, pollinators, or personal enjoyment, choosing the right kowhai variety and a trusted nursery will ensure your tree thrives for years to come.

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 yellow flowers. Flowering in spring, it produces nectar rich blooms that attract tui, bellbirds, and other native wildlife. With its upright form, resilience, and seasonal beauty, the Large Leaved Kowhai is an iconic feature tree for NZ gardens and landscapes.

Buy Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai)

From $22.28

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Trees

Height: 10.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, 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. This kōwhai variety is fast growing, hardy, and an excellent choice for adding beauty and attracting native birds such as tūī and kererū. With its elegant form and golden blooms, Sophora godleyi is perfect as a feature tree in NZ gardens and adds timeless appeal to any landscape.

Buy Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai)

From $358.98

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Trees

Height: 15.00 m

Spread: 5.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Wind

Garden uses: Ponds, Screening

Garden styles: Architectural, Modern, Native

Why Choose a Kowhai Tree for Your Garden?

Kowhai trees (Sophora species) are celebrated for their stunning springtime flowers and their role in supporting native wildlife, especially tūī and bellbirds. Hardy and drought-tolerant once established, kowhai are well-suited to a range of New Zealand gardens. They offer shade, seasonal interest, and help reconnect our landscapes with indigenous plants.

Best Kowhai Varieties to Buy

When considering where to buy kowhai tree, it’s useful to explore the different species suited to your local climate and space. We offer several popular varieties, each with unique features and growth habits:

Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai): This North Island species is known for its broad leaflets and impressive size, perfect for larger gardens needing a central feature.
Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai): Often chosen for its graceful, drooping appearance and mass of golden flowers, it’s a great fit for a range of soil types.
Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai): Native to South Island limestone areas, this compact variety works well in smaller gardens or those with limited space.
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai): With its intricate fine leaves and early-spring blooms, this adaptable species thrives throughout the country.
Sophora chathamica: Fast-growing and naturally occurring in coastal regions, this kowhai is ideal for gardens exposed to salt winds or seeking a quick-growing shelter tree.

How to Choose the Right Kowhai

Consider your location, garden size, and the look you want to achieve. Larger varieties such as Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai) suit parks and roomy properties, while Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai) and Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai) are excellent for urban spaces or container planting.

Where to Buy Kowhai Tree Locally

When searching for where to buy kowhai tree, choosing a reputable local nursery ensures your plant is well-suited to your region’s conditions. Our nursery specialises in New Zealand natives—our kowhai trees are grown with care, ensuring healthy roots and excellent establishment rates upon planting.

Ready to Bring Kowhai Home?

Browse our selection of top-quality kowhai trees, including Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai), Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai), and more. By choosing native kowhai, you’re investing in beauty, biodiversity, and the health of your New Zealand landscape. Place your order today and enjoy the golden promise of a kowhai tree in your garden.

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.