European Larch - Larix deciduaIn its native central and southern Europe, Larix decidua grows extremely fast in its early years, eventually reaching heights of 50metres or more upon which it loses its narrow habit and becomes broader with a flattened crown, its branches gracefully drooping. Its leaves are 1-3 cm long, flat, soft and pale green turning to golden yellow in Autumn. It has greyish bark that forms cracks and ridges in older specimens.
POSITION: Place in a sunny position, however, ensure leaves don’t scorch in full summer sun (often caused by a lack of moisture at the roots), Larches will also grow well in semi-shade. Larch are extremely hardy and require no Winter protection until temperatures drop below -15°C. Note that Larch carrying wire through the Winter have been reported to be less hardy.
Note:Larches produce shorter, more compact needles in cooler climates similar to their native habitat; in hot and humid conditions their needles will grow longer.
WATERING: Keep evenly moist. Larch kept in full sun during Summer can become very thirsty.
In hard-water areas try to use rainwater or administer a fortnightly dose of ericaceous fertiliser to stop the soil becoming too alkaline.
FEEDING: Feed heavily as soon as buds appear in Spring with a high nitrogen feed to force vigorous growth; this should be reduced for finished trees that require only fine growth. Continue to feed well until mid-summer when the tree will enter a semi-dormant period.
REPOTTING: Larch generally resent root disturbance and can be a difficult species to repot. Picking a good time for repotting is essential to avoid loss of a tree.We feel that January in the depths of winter when the tree is totally dormant is the best time. of year and not spring, you are able to do major work on Larch and we have yet to experience any problems.
Caution though do not re-pot if the roots/soil are frozen.
Note: Do not bare-root and do not root prune heavily.
PRUNING: Hard pruning and formative pruning is best carried out in Autumn to late Winter, Larches need judicious pruning at this time of year to retain their shape.
WIRING: Larches are best wired in Spring when the leaf buds are ready to sprout and the bare branches can still be seen; care should be taken not to knock off new buds. Larch branches thicken rapidly, check and inspect wire regularly to ensure it is not cutting in.
PROPAGATION: Sow seed in early Spring, cuttings can be difficult to root though semi-ripe cuttings can be taken in summer and hard-wood cuttings can be taken during Winter. Air-layering is successful and can be taken in late Spring.
PESTS AND DISEASES: Aphids and scale insects.