About
Sophora davidii, David's kowhai, is a large, deciduous shrub producing compound leaves with up to 17 small, rounded, grey-green leaflets and sprays of small, pea-like, white flowers with dusky-purple calyces in late spring and early summer. A rewarding and ornamental shrub for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Sophora are deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs producing elegant, pinnate leaves and pea-like flowers � sometimes fragrant � in racemes or panicles. Rewarding ornamental trees and shrubs for a sunny, well-drained garden.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
Native toChina
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 17507,sophora-macrocarpa,Sophora macrocarpa,Chilean necklacepod,Sophora macrocarpa
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in a container in a cold frame as soon as ripe
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)