Folio № 21 of 36 · in the garden since 2023
Japanese Larch
Larix kaempferi
Deciduous conifer with strong seasonal character; flexible when young; ideal for literati styles.
The year, as this species lives it
Thirteen phases. Touch any arc — the wheel remembers what each season asks.
Mid Summer · Jul 1 – Aug 10 · happening now
- Daily or as needed; larch hates drying out.
- Light feeding with low nitrogen.
- Only tip pruning if needed.
- Avoid—branches are brittle under heat stress.
- Allow buds to rest.
- High risk of spider mites and mildew.
- Shade netting advisable.
- Do not create wounds in extreme heat.
- Delay until cooler months.
- Attempt layering.
- Maintain silhouette only.
- Limit exposure; avoid hot venues.
click another arc to travel the year →
The care sheet
The constants — what stays true in every season.
Full sun
Provide full sun to encourage short internodes.
Moderate to high
Water deeply; don't allow to fully dry.
Balanced
Feed every 2 weeks in spring; reduce after midsummer.
Structural in spring, maintenance in summer
Pinch candles for refinement; hard prune in early spring.
Spring or Autumn
Very flexible when young; bark scars easily.
Every 2-4 years
Repot in early spring before bud swell; root prune moderately.
Cuttings or seed
Layering and softwood cuttings in spring work well.
Fully hardy but protect fine roots from ice damage.
Needs regular watering in heat; mulch helps retain moisture.
On the bench · 1
Every Japanese Larch in the garden, oldest hands first.
