Sophora Sun King ('Hilsop')

RHS Plant Profile

kowhai [Sun King]

Synonyms

Sophora 'Hilsop'
Sophora microphylla 'Hilsop'
Sophora microphylla 'Sun King'
Sophora 'Sun King'
Sophora microphylla Sun King

Shrubs

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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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: 1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height: 1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H4

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy
Potentially harmful: Harmful 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
Genus: Sophora are deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs with pinnate leaves and pea-like flowers, sometimes fragrant, in racemes or panicles
Name Status: Trade

How to Grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in moderately fertile soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by grafting in late winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Coastal
Cottage and informal garden
City and courtyard gardens
Flower borders and beds
Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)