Styphnolobium japonica
Japanese pagoda tree, Scholar's tree
Also known as Sophora japonicum
- Height × spread
- 3m – 20m × 3m – 8m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Rather delicate trees that make a broad dome of frothy-looking foliage that is elegantly held. They are happiest in cool climates where there is plenty of sunshine. There are panicles of cream flowers in summer followed by segmented seedpods that dangle like clusters of hanging beads. There are a number of appealing cultivars that include a handsome weeping form, 'Pendulum,' and violet flushed, white flowered 'Violacea', among other forms. This used to belong to the genus Sophora.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell, Weeping
- Height
- 3m – 20m
- Spread
- 3m – 8m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Mediterranean garden, Exotic garden
- 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
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural, Bee attraction
- Hazards
- No
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
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.