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.
Early Fall · Sep 1 – Sep 30 · happening now
- Reduce gradually; avoid soggy soil.
- Last heavy feeding of the year.
- Prune dead or damaged growth.
- Light wiring of hardened branches.
- Allow buds to harden for winter.
- Needle cast and fungal diseases possible.
- Prepare storage setup for winter.
- Remove shade cloths.
- Begin sealing off wounds for winter.
- Resume light work.
- Collect seeds for stratification.
- Pause active refinement.
- Brilliant yellow display period.
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.
