All Species > Larix kaempferi

Japanese Larch

Deciduous conifer with strong seasonal character; flexible when young; ideal for literati styles.

Seasonal Care Guide

Placement & Seasonal Notes

  • Placement: Full sun
  • Notes: Provide full sun to encourage short internodes.
  • Winter: Fully hardy but protect fine roots from ice damage.
  • Summer: Needs regular watering in heat; mulch helps retain moisture.

Leaf Traits

  • Persistence: Deciduous
  • Form: Conifer

Watering & Fertilization

  • Watering: Moderate to high
  • Notes: Water deeply; don't allow to fully dry.
  • Season: Spring → Autumn
  • Fertilization: Balanced
  • Notes: Feed every 2 weeks in spring; reduce after midsummer.

Training Techniques

  • Wiring: Spring or Autumn
  • Notes: Very flexible when young; bark scars easily.
  • Pruning: Structural in spring, maintenance in summer
  • Notes: Pinch candles for refinement; hard prune in early spring.
  • Repotting: Every 2-4 years
  • Notes: Repot in early spring before bud swell; root prune moderately.

Propagation

  • Method: Cuttings or seed
  • Notes: Layering and softwood cuttings in spring work well.

Zone 8b Considerations

Very rot-prone in winter; ensure drainage