Sun King Sophora Sophora Sun King = 'Hilsop' (PBR)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Sophora Sun King sports a vibrant display of foliage and flowers that create a striking visual in the landscape. The plant bears pinnate leaves—which means the leaves are composed of multiple leaflets arranged on either side of a common axis—that are bright green, lending a lush, dense appearance. During the blooming season, it comes alive with an abundance of pendulous, yellow flowers which hang in clusters, providing a showy contrast against the green foliage. These flowers are not only aesthetically pleasing but can also attract various pollinators, such as bees. The plant exhibits a graceful, slightly weeping form, adding to its ornamental charm. Overall, the Sophora Sun King presents a showy and luxurious appearance that can stand out in any garden setting.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Fabaceae
- Synonyms
  Sun King Sophora, Sun King Kowhai
- Common names
  Sophora Sun King 'Hilsop' (PBR)
Toxicity
- To humans
  The plant Sophora Sun King, known as pagoda tree, is not widely recognized for its toxicity to humans. However, as with many plants, it is advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingesting any parts of the plant due to the lack of information on its potential toxicity. If a person ingests parts of the pagoda tree and experiences symptoms, they should seek medical advice. Common symptoms of plant poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and in severe cases, more serious effects like respiratory issues or organ failure could occur, although these are not specifically documented for the pagoda tree.
- To pets
  The pagoda tree is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets. However, due to the general lack of extensive research specifically on the Sophora Sun King 'Hilsop', it is prudent to prevent pets from ingesting the plant. If a pet does consume part of the plant and shows signs of distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in behavior, it is essential to consult a veterinarian. Eating unfamiliar plants can cause gastrointestinal upset or more serious symptoms in pets, even if the plant is not widely recognized as toxic.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Yellow
- Height
  4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
- Spread
  4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
- Plant type
  Shrub
- Hardiness zones
  7
- Native area
  China

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attractive Foliage: Sophora Sun King boasts bright green, compound leaves that add visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Flowering Interest: This plant produces striking yellow flowers, which can enliven garden spaces and attract pollinators.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is tolerant of dry conditions, making it suitable for gardens in arid climates or for xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: It generally requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Compact Size: With a relatively small growth habit, it is suitable for smaller gardens or spaces where a large tree would be inappropriate.
- Ornamental Value: The Sophora Sun King is highly valued for its ornamental appeal, which includes its foliage, form, and flowering habits.
- Adaptable: It is adaptable to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils, making it a versatile choice for many garden settings.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides interest across multiple seasons with its evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage in milder climates and its vibrant spring flowers.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- As a natural dye: Sophora can be used to extract a yellow dye for coloring fabrics and wool.
- In bonsai art: With its interesting form, the Sophora could be trained as a bonsai specimen for ornamental purposes.
- As an educational tool: The Sophora's growth patterns and adaptation to different soils can be studied in botany and horticulture classes.
- In habitat restoration: The Sophora can be planted as part of reforestation programs due to its nitrogen-fixing abilities, helping to stabilize and enrich the soil.
- As a source of nectar: The flowers of the Sophora can be a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators in garden ecosystems.
- In artistic installations: Live or dried Sophora branches could be used in floral arrangements or as part of art installations due to their aesthetic appeal.
- As a natural fencing material: The robust and dense growth of the Sophora can be pruned and used as a living fence or privacy screen in gardens.
- In furniture making: The wood from a mature Sophora could be used in woodworking to create small decorative objects or furniture pieces.
- For soundproofing: The dense foliage of the Sophora can contribute to noise reduction when planted along highways or in urban areas.
- As seasonal decoration: Sophora's bright yellow flowers can be used in springtime decorations or floral displays.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Sophora is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Sophora is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Prosperity and Wealth: The 'Sun King' part of the name suggests associations with wealth, opulence, and the power of the sun, reflecting the plant's vibrant presence and potentially its ability to thrive.
- Enlightenment: The reference to a 'King' can symbolize wisdom and enlightenment, as a king is often seen as a figure who has reached the pinnacle of understanding and leadership.
- Vitality: The bright and intense coloration of the Sophora 'Sun King' can represent a strong life force, vitality, and energetic vibrance due to its association with the sun.
- Royalty and Excellence: The 'King' element may convey sentiments of royalty, distinction, and superiority, possibly paralleling the plant's standout qualities in a garden setting.
- Growth and Success: Since many Sophora species are known for their robustness and growth, the 'Sun King' cultivar could also signify personal growth, success, and the culmination of efforts.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Kowhai 'Sun King' should be watered deeply, allowing the water to reach the roots, particularly during dry spells. A newly planted Kowhai 'Sun King' will require more frequent watering, about once a week, depending on the weather conditions, with 1-2 gallons per session to establish a strong root system. After the first growing season, reduce watering frequency, providing supplemental water only during prolonged dry periods. Mature plants are somewhat drought tolerant and may only require watering every two to three weeks with the same amount, 1-2 gallons, unless conditions are particularly hot and arid.
Light
The Kowhai 'Sun King' thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade. Ideally, plant it in a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. The best spot is one where morning sunlight is abundant, as the intensity is less harsh than afternoon sun, ensuring vibrant foliage without risk of scorching.
Temperature
The Kowhai 'Sun King' is adapted to a wide range of temperatures but performs best when the climate is between 50°F and 70°F. It can withstand occasional dips below freezing, but prolonged exposure to temperatures under 30°F may damage the plant. During hot summers, it is important to ensure that temperatures do not consistently exceed 90°F as this can stress the plant.
Pruning
Regular pruning of the Kowhai 'Sun King' is not necessary, but light pruning can be done to maintain the desired shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Ensure pruning is sparing, just to tidy up the plant and encourage healthier growth.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for the Kowhai (Sophora 'Hilsop') is well-draining with a slight acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 5.5 and 7.0. A mixture composed of loam, sand, and a small amount of compost or aged manure works well to provide the necessary nutrients and proper drainage.
Repotting
Kowhai (Sophora 'Hilsop') generally requires repotting every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Younger, fast-growing plants may need repotting more frequently, especially if they become root-bound.
Humidity & Misting
Kowhai (Sophora 'Hilsop') prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate some variation in humidity without adverse effects. Consistently high humidity should be avoided to prevent potential fungal issues.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun, protect from strong winds, well-drained soil.
- Hardiness zone
  7-10 USDA
Life cycle
The life cycle of the Sophora Sun King ('Hilsop') begins with germination, where it sprouts from seed in suitable conditions of warmth and moisture. It then enters the vegetative stage, developing a strong root system and foliage through photosynthesis for energy. The plant matures into the flowering phase, producing vibrant yellow, pea-like flowers that appeal to pollinators, leading to eventual seed production. After pollination, seed pods form and mature, eventually drying and releasing seeds for the next generation. As a perennial, the Sophora Sun King enters a period of dormancy in colder months, shedding leaves and conserving energy in its root system. With the return of favorable weather, it exits dormancy, resuming growth and starting the cycle anew with fresh budding and flowering.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Summer
- Sophora Sun King, also known as 'Hilsop', is typically propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. The optimal time for taking these cuttings is in late summer, when the current season's growth has started to mature but is not yet fully woody. To propagate, a gardener should take a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, making sure that it has several leaf nodes. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment, away from direct sunlight, and consistently moist until roots develop, which can take several weeks to a few months. Once rooted, the young plant can be acclimated to outdoor conditions and eventually planted in its permanent position in the garden.