Folio № 22 of 37 · 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 Fall · Oct 1 – Oct 31 · happening now
- Minimal, check weekly.
- Stop all feeding.
- Remove residual weak shoots.
- Can wire lignified wood.
- Not needed—larch will drop naturally.
- Observe bud health.
- Final pest check before winter.
- Set up cold frame or mulch protection.
- Ensure all cuts sealed.
- Good time for carving before freeze.
- Stratify seeds if collected.
- Halt refinement.
- Final autumn show.
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.
