In this newsletter I will be telling you all about Larix kaempferi, the Japanese Larch. This popular tree has several smaller, interesting cultivars worth planting in your garden.
Larix kaempferi, known as Japanese larch or karamatsu in Japanese is a species of larch native to Japan, in the mountains of Chubu and Kanto regions in central Honshu. The tree is deciduous.
Previously known as Larix decidua 'Pendula', this tree can be found in literature as far back as 1836. The tree needs to be staked to the desired height, or it will grow on the ground. The new foliage is a brilliant lime-green that turns to a rich dark green throughout summer. The fall color is golden before it drops its leaves for winter.
I remember my first plant of this cultivar began turning brown and dropping its leaves in the fall. I figured I killed it somehow. I put off digging it out and trowing it away until spring when it covered itself with bright, florescent green foliage. I was so glad I had not tossed it into the compost pile.
Below is a fine specimen staked to 10 feet in Mark and Valerie Bloom's Garden, Springfield, Oregon.
A more upright form of the Japanese weeping Larch, but with stems going in all different directions. Another great candidate for the 'Cousin It' Award. We love the bright green new growth that really glows. Give this tree some space to grow and show off, it is well worth it. An unbelievable specimen tree!
Shown here in the display gardens of Buchholz & Buchholz Nursery in Gaston, Oregon is another fine specimen of the plant.
A very old plant of this species in a European Garden (below).
Larix kaempferi 'Blue Rabbit' Blue Columnar - Japanese Larch that grows very fast and narrow with bluish leaves. Plant first introduced 1965 by Konijn Nursery from Tempelhof Holland. Our plant here in our garden is over 15 ft. tall now after being planted 6 years ago.
Larix kaempferi 'Horstmann Recurve'
Wild, curvy growth habit sets this Japanese Larch off from others. This plant will grow to 10 ft. x 10 ft.
Larix kaempferi 'Horstmann Recurve'
Fall color, along with the plant habit is quite interesting.
Larix gmelinii 'Romberg Park'
Dahurian Larch
Compact growth habit along with soft, tufted bright-green new growth in spring makes this cultivar unique. Best in full sun.
On Special for May
The month of May means Azaleas! These long lived plants, mostly from Asia offer loads of color and are mostly low growing. Pick from Pink, White, Lavender, and Red. Get 20% OFF if you buy 3, and 30% OFF if you buy 5.
