Sophora

The Sophora are trees or shrubs – depending on the species – very interesting for gardens, large or small. Its growth rate is rather slow, and its roots are not invasive.

In addition, it multiplies very easily, so over time you will be able to have not one, but several copies. Do you want to know more about them?

Origin and characteristics

Image – Wikimedia/ Stan Shebs

The genus Sophora is composed of about 70 species of evergreen or deciduous trees and shrubs native to the United States, Mexico, Chile, Japan, and China. They can grow between 2 and 25 meters, and their leaves are pinnate composed of various green leaflets. Its flowers are grouped in inflorescences of yellow or white color. The fruit is a pendulous legume, inside which are ovoid seeds.

Main species

Sophora japonica: It is native to China and Japan, and grows to a height of 5 to 20 meters. It is an elegant perennial plant, widely used in garden decoration. You have more information about her here.
Sophora cassioides: it is an evergreen tree native to southern Chile that grows to a height of 10 meters.
Sophora toromiro: it is an evergreen shrub that was (now it is extinct in its natural environment) originally from Easter Island. It grows up to 3 meters.

Applications

They are used for:

Decorate gardens: they are very decorative plants that can be kept in a pot or in the garden.
Wood: that of the species S. japonica and S. tetraptera is dense, compact and resistant, which is why it is used to make common objects.

What are their cares?

Image – Flickr/ Alan Vernon

If you want to have a copy, we recommend you provide the following care:

Location: Sophora must be outdoors, in full sun or in semi-shade.
Land:
- Pot: universal growing substrate mixed with 30% perlite.
- Garden: they grow in fertile soils, with good water filtration capacity.
Watering: 3-4 times a week during the hottest season, and 1-2 times a week the rest.
Fertilizer: in spring and summer with fertilizers such as guano or chicken manure. If you have it in a pot, use liquid fertilizers following the instructions specified on the container.
Pruning: not necessary. At the end of winter, if you want, you can remove the dry, diseased or weak branches.
Hardiness: it will depend on the species, but in general they resist up to -8ºC.