Prostrate sophora Plant Care

Prostrate sophora (Sophora prostrata) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Sophora genus. Prostrate sophora is native to the eastern South Island from Marlborough to the Waitaki Valley in New Zealand. Prostrate sophora is also known as Dwarf kowhai.

Prostrate sophora displays an upright, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Prostrate sophora produces clusters of pea-like flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Prostrate sophora 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.

Prostrate sophora thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Sophora prostrata tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Prostrate sophora prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Prostrate sophora to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Prostrate sophora 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

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.

Prostrate sophora is suited to USDA Zone 8a – 10b.

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.

Prostrate sophora 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.

Prune Prostrate sophora 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.

Prostrate sophora is hardy down to USDA zone 8a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Prostrate sophora can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fernandez sophora plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Prostrate sophora 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.

Prostrate sophora grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Prostrate sophora is native to the eastern South Island from Marlborough to the Waitaki Valley in New Zealand.