Sophora microphylla
Kowhais, Small leaved Kowhai, Weeping kowhai
- Height × spread
- 6m × 4m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This large shrub or small tree has very fine leaflets. There are yellow flowers in May which are slightly tubular in shape. The branches are covered with a tawny coloured down in spring. In its early years it makes a bushy looking shrub with crossing branches and a generally untidy appearance. At some point, and in the wild this usually means at least 10 years, it starts to flower and to grow as a tree, reaching around 6m (20ft) height. It's worth the wait though, as it is splendid in flower.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Brown, Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Oval
- Height
- 6m
- Spread
- 4m
- Height in 10 years
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Architectural, Bee attraction
- Walls
- South facing
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Harmful if eaten
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.