- Botanical name: Sophora prostrata 'Little Baby'
- Common name: Dwarf kowhai
- Family: Fabaceae
- Plant Type: Shrub, Evergreen
Yellow
Green
- Key features:
- Dramatic foliage
- Flowers
- Low maintenance plant
Sophora prostrata, commonly known as the dwarf kowhai, is a small, evergreen shrub native to New Zealand. It’s a particularly attractive plant, with zigzagging growth and small leaves bearing even smaller leaflets. In spring it bears yellow flowers with a beaked appearance as they develop.
Sophora prostrata ‘Little Baby’ is smaller than the species, but still displays the characteristic divaricating (zigzagging) growth and yellow blooms. Despite the delicate appearance, ‘Little Baby’ is borderline hardy and can remain outside in winter in milder locations. If hard frosts are predicted, consider growing it in a container so it can be moved to a frost-free spot, such as a cool conservatory or greenhouse, in winter. Or, try growing it indoors as a houseplant in a bright spot.
For best results, grow Sophora prostrata ‘Little Baby’ in full sun in moist, fertile, well-drained soil.
How to grow Sophora 'Little Baby'
-
Plant size
1.5m height
1.2m spread
-
Aspect
South facing, west facing
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
- Hardiness: Frost hardy
- Soil type: Acidic / chalky / alkaline / clay / heavy / moist / well drained / light / sandy
- Plant care: Needs regular watering in pots
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do Plant in March |
A
Do Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do not Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do Plant in October |
N
Do Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does flower in April |
M
Plant does flower in May |
J
Plant does not flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
Sophora 'Little Baby' and wildlife
Sophora 'Little Baby' has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Sophora 'Little Baby' poisonous?
Sophora 'Little Baby' can be toxic.
Toxic to People
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
Plants that go well with Sophora 'Little Baby'
