About
Larix decidua, the European larch, is a large, deciduous conifer forming a conical tree broadening with age, with cream-coloured young shoots bearing soft, light-green, needle-like leaves in whorls, turning golden-yellow in autumn. Upright cones to 4 cm are produced. One of the most graceful and ornamental of all deciduous conifers for a large garden.
About the genus
Larix, the larches, are large, deciduous conifers of conical habit with good autumn colour from the soft, needle-like leaves borne in whorls on spur-like lateral shoots and spirally on young growth. Small, ovoid cones persist on the branches through winter. Excellent specimen trees for large gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeConifers, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full heightMore than 50 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Architectural
Native toAlps, Carpathians
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any deep, well-drained soil in full sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in early spring, graft in winter, or root semi-ripe cuttings in summer under mist; cuttings are difficult to root
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to adelgids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility