Sophora

There are around 50 species of these plants, covering trees and shrubs and subshrubs. Sophora japonica was included in this genus but now resides in the less pronounceable 'Styphnolobium'. The Sophora forms are widespread across the world with both tender and hardy varieties. A number of species, and a few hybrids, are popular in UK gardens. These include the dainty Sophora microphylla with slim branches clad in sprays of tiny leaves with dangling yellow, tubular flowers. Sophora tetraptera is built on a fractionally heartier scale with shorter paler blooms. Sophoroa davidii is a shrub of moderate size, spiny, spreading and carrying white flowers. Cultivars are also available. Sophora prostrata stands at 2 metres or less with chunky flowers held pendulously that appear to flare out from the constraining calyx as though released from a corset. Popular cultivars include the showy, dense 'Sun King' and delicate twisted branches and spare, tiny leaves of 'Little Baby.' Check the hardiness of individual species and hybrids, some are not hardy across the country.