Sophora godleyi Plant Care
Sophora godleyi Heenan & de Lange
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Sophora godleyi, also known as Godley's kōwhai, papa kōwhai or Rangitikei kōwhai, grows naturally in the west of the North Island of New Zealand from Te Kūiti to Manawatū. It is one of eight recognised species of kōwhai and was described as a separate species in 2001, having formerly been considered to be part of species small-leaved kōwhai.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Sophora godleyi?
Plant Sophora godleyi in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Sophora godleyi?
Sophora godleyi (Sophora godleyi) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Sophora genus.
Sophora godleyi displays an upright, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Sophora godleyi produces clusters of pea-like flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sophora godleyi?
Water a young or newly planted Sophora godleyi every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Sophora godleyi Need?
Sophora godleyi thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sophora godleyi Prefer?
Sophora godleyi tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Sophora godleyi prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sophora godleyi?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Sophora godleyi to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sophora godleyi?
Feed Sophora godleyi every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Sophora godleyi?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Sophora godleyi is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Sophora godleyi?
Sophora godleyi can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Sophora godleyi?
Prune Sophora godleyi while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Sophora godleyi in Winter?
Sophora godleyi is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Sophora godleyi?
Sophora godleyi can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fernandez sophora plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Sophora godleyi Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Sophora godleyi, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Sophora godleyi?
Sophora godleyi is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Sophora godleyi Need?
Sophora godleyi grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Sophora godleyi as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Sophora godleyi is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Sophora genus — compare its care with other Sophora species on PlantoScan.
Sophora is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Sophora godleyi thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Sophora Species
Other Sophora species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Sophora godleyi Heenan & de Lange, family Fabaceae (first published in New Zealand J. Bot. 39: 40 (2001)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sophora godleyi, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
