Larix kaempferi
Japanese larch
L. kaempferi is a vigorous deciduous conifer forming a large tree reaching up to 30m with reddish young shoots bearing whorls of light green leaves becoming yellow and orange in autumn. Cones ovoid, erect, to 3cm long, with out-curved scales
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
more than 50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Orange Yellow | Brown | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Pinaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any deep, well drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown from late winter to spring. Chilling the seeds for three weeks may aid germination. Propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Graft in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Flower borders and beds
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
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