Larix kaempferi
Japanese larch
Also known as Larix leptolepis
- Height × spread
- 25m × 12m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is an interesting large tree, one of the select band of deciduous conifers. The new foliage is delicate, bright-green and combines beautifully with the neat fir cones nestling on the branches. In the winter the reddish-brown bare twigs create an attractive haze; noticeable when one is passing a plantation of these trees. This enjoys a cool site at high altitude preferring soil that has some acidity and is well drained. It reaches around 25m (82ft) height with 12m (40ft) spread if grown alone. If grown in a forest it has a more slender profile.
- Foliage colour
- Blue
- Autumn foliage
- Gold-brown
- Stem colour
- Brown, Red
- Fruit colour
- Brown
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Cone
- Height
- 25m
- Spread
- 12m
- Height in 10 years
- 5.5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 1.2m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Winter garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- All types
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural, Bird attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.