Plant Library

Other Names:  Kowhai

Description:

A dense growing, dwarf evergreen shrub with interesting zigzag wiry stems; tiny leaves are gray green and pea-like flowers are yellow-orange, appearing in mid-spring; frequently used in bonsai, and excellent for rock gardens and low borders

Ornamental Features

Little Baby Dwarf Sophora is bathed in stunning panicles of yellow pea-like flowers at the ends of the branches in mid spring. It has attractive green evergreen foliage. The tiny oval compound leaves are highly ornamental and remain green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Little Baby Dwarf Sophora is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a mounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Little Baby Dwarf Sophora is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Mass Planting
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Little Baby Dwarf Sophora will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.