Re: Vitex lucens and Sophora microphylla

I am hoping that Moira might help me out with a
question regarding this New Zealand native.  I had not
really paid much attention to the original posts some
time back about Vitex,(Sorry Moira), and this New
Zealand representative, but happened to stumble across
the shrub/small tree at Strybing Arboretum yesterday,
and was intrigued by its beauty and strikingly
different character compared to other Vitex species. 
At a glance, the plant looked more similar to a
Schefflera or Pseudopanax, and the foliage alone is
ornamental.  The plant at Strybing is in full bloom at
the moment, and the maroon flowers are ornamental, but
not really visible from afar.  I was wondering what
the actual cold tolerance hardiness of this plant is,
(RHS Index of Garden Plants simply says USDA Zone 9),
and is it planted in New Zealand?  I was also
wondering if this is being grown in California or
available in the trade?

Regarding the Sophora microphylla, this is in full
gorgeous bloom at the moment in Strybing, and is
really a knock out.  It is one of the exceptions to
the rule that most New Zealand plants are not showy
bloomers, or only have white flowers.  The daffodil
yellow flowers really stand out and fully cloth the
branches, much more impressive than any ordinary
Forsythia species.  Does anyone know if this one is in
the trade here in California, or difficult to grow?

TIA,
David

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