Larix kaempferi 'Blue Dwarf'

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Japanese larch

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A deciduous, dwarf shrub attaining an ultimate height and spread of around 1.5m. Short leaves, held on red shoots, emerge a soft green in spring becoming blue-green in summer before turning golden-yellow in autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Pinaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Larix are deciduous trees of conical habit, with good autumn colour from the soft, needle-like leaves which are borne in whorls on spur-like lateral shoots and spirally arranged on young growth; small ovoid cones persist on the branches
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any deep, well-drained soil but prefers slightly acidic soils

Propagation

Propagate by grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Gravel garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to adelgids

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility