Thermopsis chinensis 'Sophia'

Also Known As

Thermopsis chinensis 'Sophie'
Chinese Bushpea
Pea Bush

Plant type

perennial, herb

size

H: 18"-24"
W: 18"-24"

planting zones

5a-9b

More Options

Thermopsis chinensis 'Sophia' plant details

Thermopsis chinensis 'Sophia' is a broadleaf deciduous perennial herb with blue and green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees and beneficial insects making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in gritty, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Thermopsis chinensis 'Sophia'

Plant type: perennial herb
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: deciduous blue and green
Mature size: 18 IN - 24 IN - wide, 18 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, naturalizing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Thermopsis chinensis 'Sophia'

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular

Soil needs: gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Thermopsis chinensis 'Sophia' is a little-known lupin relative that is among the earliest of perennials to bloom in the full sun garden rubbing shoulders with tulips and daffodils. 'Sophia' is a compact selection forming dense blue-green mounds topped with soft canary yellow flowers. Thermopsis love full sun, average to dry soils and can withstand periods of drought. They are good early season nectar sources for bees and butterflies. Often called false lupin or compact pea bush.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

One of the first perennials to bloom, the dense 18" spikes of canary-yellow flowers in their tidy rounded clump make a spectacular spring show. S/M-D/GDr

By: Forestfarm

A new selection of perennial Lupine with an eruption of canary yellow spires of pea like flowers in late spring, above handsome smaller blue green foliage. 3-4' tall

By: Avant Gardens

We pretty much love anything in the broad Pea family and this imp has earned a seat at the big table. Very showy display of bright yellow pea flowers on a bushy 18" tall plant looking for all the world like a classy Lupine. Showy without flaunting, forward without hussiness, soft but determined.