Sophora gypsophila [SBH 8986]

These seedlings, from our collection from New Mexico's Guadelupe Mountains at close to 6000 ft elevation, resemble S. segundiflora but have slightly duller leaves, even gray-tinted, and sometimes a fine covering of silky hair. Reaching to 6-8 ft tall as shrubs, they can also be pruned to miniature trees -- either one is handsome with evergreen, multi-leafletted leaves and purple blue flowers reminiscent of a wisteria in spring and occasionally throughout the year. Best in bright light and good drainage. Drought tolerant but summer water improves the flowers and flowering season. Frost hardiness likely into USDA zone 6 as the region has recently experienced many winters with brief dips below 0 °F.