About
A bushy evergreen shrub with pinnate leaves composed of up to 40 pairs of small oblong leaflets, and yellow pea-type flowers 5cm in length in short racemes in late winter and early spring.
About the genus
Sophora are deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs with pinnate leaves and pea-like flowers, sometimes fragrant, in racemes or panicles
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
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
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in moderately fertile soil in full sun
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by grafting in late winter
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)