About
Larix gmelinii, the Dahurian larch, is a deciduous, coniferous tree reaching 35 m with a broadly conical shape and horizontal branches. Fresh-green, needle-like leaves carried in whorled bunches turn golden-yellow in autumn. Male flowers are yellow; females start purple and ripen into erect, brown cones to 3 cm long. A handsome, fast-growing larch for a large, open, moist site.
About the genus
Larix, the larches, are large deciduous conifers of broadly conical habit bearing soft, needle-like leaves in whorls on spur shoots and spirally on young growth, with attractive golden-yellow autumn colour and small, persistent, ovoid cones. Hardy and ornamental conifers for large, open sites.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-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 usesArchitectural
Native toNE Asia
Care notes
CultivationAn exceptionally hardy tree that does best in areas with very cold winters and cool summers. In milder areas it is easily damaged by late spring frosts
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in early spring, grafting 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