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Sophora microphylla Sun King

Sophora microphylla SUN KING ('Hilsop')
Kowhai

4,8/5
15 reviews
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Excellent value for money.

martine, 23/09/2024

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

More information

Value-for-money
Sophora microphylla 'Sun King' is a bush with large dark yellow bell-shaped flowers between March and May, on decorative foliage with small pinnate and fuzzy leaves.
Flower size
3 cm
Height at maturity
3 m
Spread at maturity
2 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -9°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time January to March, November
Recommended planting time March to May, September to November
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Flowering time March to May
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Description

The Sophora microphylla Sun King, also known as 'Hilsop', is a bush with a spreading habit. It is a very popular variety that surprises with its early flowering. The flowers are grouped in upright clusters measuring 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) long between March and May. These large flowers are dark yellow, bell-shaped, slightly curved, and pendulous. The flowering period is long-lasting. The fruit of the Sophora microphylla is a brown pod that resembles a rosary with about ten seeds.

The foliage is decorative and more evergreen than the typical variety. It consists of delicate, small pinnate leaves (divided into leaflets) that are velvety at the growth. They measure 7 to 15 cm (3 to 6in) long and bright green. The Sophora Sun King is a smaller variety with a mature height of 3 m (10ft).

Originally from Chile and New Zealand, Sophora is the national flower of the latter. It is also known as Small-flowered Kowhai, with Kowhai meaning "yellow" in Maori in New Zealand. It is a very hardy plant that withstands drought and winds well. The sophora microphylla can be found in hills, mountains, and rocky slopes, as well as in valleys and dry woodlands. However, it is best to cultivate it in pots in a temperate zone, isolated. It is a tree for small gardens. Be careful of the alkaloids in this plant that make it toxic.

Sophora microphylla Sun King in pictures

Sophora microphylla Sun King (Foliage) Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 3 m
Spread at maturity 2 m
Habit spreading
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour yellow
Flowering time March to May
Flower size 3 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Fruit colour red

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Sophora

Species

microphylla

Cultivar

SUN KING ('Hilsop')

Family

Fabaceae

Other common names

Kowhai

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference782111

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Planting and care

To successfully grow the Sophora microphylla Sun King plant, put it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil that stays moist. This plant can withstand cold winds and occasional droughts, making it easy to care for. In the first year, generously water it to encourage rooting. If necessary, trim it after it flowers. The Kohwai plant is vigorous against diseases. The Sophora microphylla Sun King should be planted in a sunny spot, in moist but well-drained soil. It is a plant that withstands cold winds and possible droughts relatively well. It is easy to cultivate. To promote its rooting, water generously during the first year. Carry out pruning after flowering if necessary. The Kohwai is resistant to diseases.

Planting period

Best planting time January to March, November
Recommended planting time March to May, September to November

Intended location

Type of use Border, Free-standing
Hardiness Hardy down to -9°C (USDA zone 8b) Show map
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Neutral, Any
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Moist soil, well-drained

Care

Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time January
Soil moisture Moist soil
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,8/5
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