Overview

Sophora flavescens is a shrub in the genus Sophora, part of the Q44448 family. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall. Sophora flavescens grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to East Asia.

About

Sophora flavescens is a leguminous shrub reaching about 1.5 m, valued for its summer flowering. It is native to East Asia and produces its flowers in the UK from June to August. The plant prefers full sun and tolerates sandy, loamy and clay soils so long as they remain moist but well-drained. Rated H7 (fully hardy), it is suitable for outdoor planting across the UK.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sophora flavescens

About the genus

Sophora is a genus of about 45 species of small trees and shrubs in the pea family Fabaceae. The species have a pantropical distribution.

In the garden

Sophora flavescens is a compact shrub from East Asia that typically grows to about 1.5 m. It flowers in the UK from June to August, concentrating its display in mid summer. Give it a sunny site; exposure should be full sun to support flowering and healthy growth. Soil choice is flexible — sandy, loamy or clay soils are all acceptable provided drainage prevents waterlogging and moisture is generally available. Plant into a free‑draining but moisture-retentive mix where seasonal rainfall is supplemented by occasional watering in dry spells. Its hardiness rating is H7 (fully hardy), so it withstands British winter conditions without requiring winter protection. Use Shrubby Sophora in the middle or rear of mixed shrub borders, as a contained specimen on a sunny bank, or where a compact summer-flowering shrub is needed. Its modest mature height makes it easy to site without overwhelming neighbours or lower perennials. Expect most of the seasonal interest to be carried on the upper shoots during the June–August flowering period.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Sophora

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Exposure

full sun

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Sophora flavescens size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

shrub

Height

1.5 m

Native to

East Asia

Frequently asked questions