Sophora davidii
David's kowhai
A large, deciduous shrub with compound leaves comprising up to 17 small, rounded, grey-green leaflets. Sprays of small, pea-like, white flowers with dusky purple calyces are produced in late spring and early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple White | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Sophora are deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs with pinnate leaves and pea-like flowers, sometimes fragrant, in racemes or panicles
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in a container in a cold frame as soon as ripe
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
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