Japanese Pagoda Tree, Sophora microphylla 'Sun King'

Also known as the Japanese Pagoda Tree, Sophora microphylla ‘Sun King’ is a tall and broad semi-evergreen shrub, producing drooping clusters of exotic yellow flowers from February through to late May.

An unusual flowering shrub for any garden, its glossy, dark green leaves are a striking feature and are made up of up to 40 pairs of small oval leaflets arranged along a central stalk and stay on the plant all year unless the weather is particularly cold.

The bunches of acid-yellow blooms are tinged with green and are almost pea-like with long, slender stamens protruding from the end adding to its tropical look.

Hardy in the UK down to -10°C (14°F), Sophora is fully deserving of its coveted RHS Award of Garden Merit, and you can be sure that this is a proven garden performer, guaranteed to be suitable for UK gardeners at every level of experience. You can therefore plant this in the garden with confidence, for stunning displays for many years to come.

Supplied as an established plant in a 9cm pot ready for immediate planting, Sun King is compact and grows to just 3m x 3m. It's best grown as a patio pot plant, although it can also be grown against a sunny, south facing wall to prevent stem dieback in harsh winters.