Species Japanese larch

Japanese larch

Larix kaempferi 'Stiff Weeping'

The Japanese larch is an ornamental conifer tree. It has an elegant, weeping habit and features bright green needles in summer. In fall, the foliage exhibits a range of vivid yellow and orange hues. This hardy evergreen is a popular choice for planting in windy, cold areas and will reach heights of up to 90 feet. Its bark is gray-brown in color and deeply furrowed. The Japanese larch could be a striking addition to a garden and is capable of tolerating a variety of soils, including acidic and dry.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 7

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow,orange

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Japanese larch should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season (April-September). Ideally, the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Water the larch until the top 12 inches of soil is moist but not soggy. In hotter months, the plant may need more frequent watering. In cooler months, reduce watering to avoid root rot. Always check the soil before watering; if still slightly damp it may not need water.

sunlight

Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi 'Stiff Weeping') thrives best in full sun to partial shade, which is 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If the tree receives more hours of direct sunlight, it will thrive. If the tree receives too little sunlight, it may become weakened from the lack of energy and start to decline. During the summer months, the Japanese larch needs plenty of light for optimum growth and health. When kept in full sun during these months, the Japanese larch can grow and prosper.

pruning

Japanese larch should be pruned in late winter after the coldest weather has passed but before leaf buds swell. Pruning should be done cautiously and judiciously, as it can be difficult to repair. Remove dead, broken and diseased branches first, followed by any weak-wooded or crossing branches. Pruning should be no more than 10-25%, and should be done sparingly and gradually over several years. Remember to leave plenty of foliage to ensure good health for the tree.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Japanese larch typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map