Sophora davidii
Kowhais, David's pagoda tree
Also known as Sophora viciifolia
- Height × spread
- 3.5m × 3m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This can be grown as a shrub which will reach about 3.5m (11ft) height. It also makes a charming round-topped small tree with fine foliage which when viewed at a distance gives the tree a soft, frilled effect. This is thorny and carries little spines at the base of the leaves. There are innumerable small leaflets that are held in pairs on short stalks. It flowers in June and produces masses of blue and white pea-shaped flowers that are held in small clusters. Close examination shows that the flowers themselves are bluish-white and are held in tiny blue calyces. It is found growing wild in China at some altitude and is a widespread, common plant.
- Flower colour
- Blue, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Brown, Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 3.5m
- Spread
- 3m
- Spread in 10 years
- 2m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Exotic garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- All types
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural, Bee attraction
- Hazards
- Yes, leaves are prickly and 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 during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, 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.