The Story
Plant Bio
Sophora tetraptera is an upright, broadleaf evergreen to semi-deciduous small tree native to the North Island of New Zealand. In spring, it produces pendulous racemes of golden-yellow, pea-shaped flowers that yield abundant nectar.
This species is distinguished from other members of the genus by its larger, more widely spaced leaflets that occur in ten to twenty pairs. New spring growth features a subtle tawny down or silky hairs on the stems and leaf undersides.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
472"
Width
236"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
New Zealand
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
Bloom period
Spring
In flower about 3 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun to bright partial shade with excellent soil drainage.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth to avoid burying the crown.
- Gently loosen the outer roots of the container-grown plant before placing it in the hole.
- Backfill with native soil, water thoroughly, and apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture.
Pro Tip
Prune lightly immediately after flowering to shape the canopy, but avoid cutting back into old, leafless wood. Stems lack dormant buds on bare wood and will fail to reshoot if cut too deeply.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
- Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep root system.
- Protect young plants from hard winter freezes.
Don't
- Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood as it will not reshoot.
- Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers, which reduce flowering.
- Do not plant in heavy shade or waterlogged areas.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Large-leaved Kōwhai questions
What zones can Large-leaved Kōwhai grow in?
Large-leaved Kōwhai is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Large-leaved Kōwhai deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Large-leaved Kōwhai, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Large-leaved Kōwhai bloom?
Large-leaved Kōwhai typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Large-leaved Kōwhai need full sun?
Large-leaved Kōwhai does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Large-leaved Kōwhai drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Large-leaved Kōwhai handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Sophora to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Large-leaved Kōwhai with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.