Under the name "larch" a whole genus of coniferous plants from the Pine family is combined. In total, it has about 20 species distributed in the Northern Hemisphere.
Species larch trees are fast-growing, powerful trees with a through, transparent crown. Due to their very large size, they are rarely used in gardens. But varietal larch is the most suitable option. They are neat, variable in size, the color of the needles, etc. The ancestors of the varieties are Siberian and Japanese larch (Kempfer).
In decorative terms, the latter species surpasses the rest both with its long needles of the original color and a beautiful floor crown. Unpretentiousness and speed of growth have made Japanese larch a desirable plant for many gardeners. In the article we will tell you about its features, the most popular varieties and growing rules.
Japanese larch (Kempfer): area of growth
The name of this species speaks for itself. The homeland of Japanese larch is Honshu Island. She is an endemic, that is, a plant found only in this area, and nowhere else in the world. However, we note that the tree was naturalized on Sakhalin.
It grows at an altitude of 1600-2700 m above sea level, in the upper mountain zone, by large mono-stands or sporadically in forests of dense pine, spruce Sayan, tsug raznoslitnaya, fir Vicha, birch Ehrman. You can find Japanese larch at lower altitudes in the company of beech, oak and hornbeam. It develops well in cold and dry climates, resistant to late spring frosts. Unlike other larches, the Japanese species tolerates shading better. It is successfully cultivated on chernozem and podzolic soils, but it is best developed on fresh sandy and clay substrates.
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Japanese larch reaches a height of 30 to 35 m and a trunk diameter of 50 to 100 cm. It has a relatively thin bark, peeling and longitudinally fractured. Young shoots are painted brownish yellow with a bluish bloom at the beginning of winter; biennial shoots are red-brown. From other species it is distinguished by branches slightly twisted in a spiral.
Japanese larch needles of medium length: from 15 to 50 mm, dull, bluish or bluish-green in color. The cones have a rounded oval shape, 20-35 mm long, and usually consist of 45-50 scales arranged in 5-6 rows.
The tree is developing rapidly, annual growth is 10-15 cm in width and 25 cm in height. Like other larches, the Japanese variety is characterized by durable and rot-resistant wood that is easy to process. In this regard, it is widely used in the furniture industry and construction.
At home, Japanese larch (photo in the text) has been used in culture for a very long time. Valued for its high decorative properties and resistance to diseases and pests. It is grown using the bonsai technique. The plant came to Europe in the 18th century, since 1861 it began to be actively used in gardens, forest stands and parks. In Russia, Japanese larch spread in 1880-1885.
We draw your attention to the most popular tree cultivars in the horticultural environment. They differ in size, shape of the crown, the characteristics of the needles. Among the modern variety of varieties, you can always pick up something specifically for your garden.
Stiff Weeper
This is Japanese larch grown on the trunk of another tree (Stuba, in other words). The shoots of a plant of this variety are creeping, dangling. Depending on how high the vaccination is made, the weeping form can reach up to 1.5-2 m in height and 1 m in diameter. Needles Stif viper has a bluish-green hue, falls in late autumn. Cones of standard size, female red, yellow male. The crown of the tree is neat with a small number of lateral processes. Japanese larch Stiff Weeper can be used in the most demanding and sophisticated compositions, surrounded by perennial and annual plants, in a single planting.
Of the special requirements of the variety, sensitivity to drought and stagnation of moisture should be noted. In this regard, it is recommended in the first case to water it often enough, and in the second - to provide good drainage.
Pendula
Low-lying Japanese larch Pendula is a weeping form that grows to a height of 6-10 m. The tree develops slowly, but this is more a plus than a minus, because in this way you can keep the original appearance of the composition longer. The branches of larch are very dangling, after they reach the ground, they begin to spread along it with an even carpet.
This variety has soft needles of bluish-green color. High decorative effect gives the effect of fluffiness. Reproduction is possible only by vaccination. The Pendula variety is not particularly demanding on environmental conditions, but it will still be better developed on fertile and well-drained soils. It does not tolerate waterlogging.
Diana
If you are looking for an unusual coniferous plant for your garden that will surprise everyone, then let it be Japanese larch Diana. Luxurious variety with spectacularly twisted shoots. The shape of the tree is weeping. The needles in the spring and summer have a pale green color, in the fall - yellow. Decorations add beautiful bright pink cones.
Diana reaches a height of 8-10 m, while the hemispherical crown grows to 5 m in diameter. The bark of the tree is red-brown. In the early years, larch develops quite rapidly, then growth slows down. This weeping form prefers alkaline moist soils.
It can be used as a tapeworm surrounded by a green lawn or in group plantings with other conifers and deciduous species, or herbaceous plants.
Blue Rabbit
Blue Rabbit is a tall variety with a pyramidal crown. Adult specimens reach a height of up to 10-15 m. Young trees are characterized by a slightly narrowed crown. This Japanese larch has a characteristic blue color of needles, which in the fall becomes golden red. The decorative tree retains throughout life. The variety is suitable for regions with cold winters, so it has high frost resistance. In addition, it is growing rapidly, is resistant to gas contamination, and therefore can be used in urban areas.
Like other varieties of Japanese larch, Blue Rabbit prefers moderately moist and breathable soils, a bright place and moderate watering.
Wolterdingen (Wolterdingen)
Dwarf Japanese larch Wolterdingen is able to decorate any garden. Due to its size, it can be used on alpine slides, next to artificial ponds, in heather compositions. The tree develops very slowly and by the age of ten reaches only 0.5 m in height and width of 70 cm. The crown is thick, dome-shaped. The needles of a beautiful bluish-green hue, slightly twisted, 3.5 mm long, turn yellow in autumn. Short shoots are located lucidly.
Wolterdingen prefers fertile and moist soils, as well as good lighting with direct sunlight.
Seed cultivation
As you probably already managed to understand, not all varietal larch can be grown from seeds. Moreover, sometimes this process is simply not rational, and it is better to buy seedlings in the store. If you still decide to grow Japanese larch from seeds, some recommendations will come in handy.
Before planting, be sure to soak the seeds for 1-2 days in water, a container with them can be refrigerated. Sowing can be done on seedlings or in the soil when it is warm enough. Between plants planted in one row, it is enough to leave a distance of a couple of centimeters. Sowing depth - 3-5 mm (depending on soil structure). Seedlings usually appear after 2 weeks. Next year, in the spring, seedlings can be planted away from each other. For a permanent place, experts recommend identifying them after reaching the age of 1.5-2 years.
Japanese larch: planting and care
If you became the owner of a Japanese larch seedling, then remember that the beginning of autumn or early spring is considered the most optimal time for planting it. The landing pit should be prepared based on the size of the root system. As a rule, the width, height and depth are the same - 50 cm. Pour the plant with excavated soil, mixing it in equal proportions with peat. If the soil is heavy, clay, it is recommended to add coarse river sand.
Larches are perhaps the most unpretentious coniferous plants in northern latitudes. Tree care consists in proper watering, loosening, mulching the soil, pruning and processing from pests.
- Watering larch is necessary only in drought conditions. A large tree requires about 20 liters of water. Frequency - 1-2 times a week.
- Loosening is necessary for young plants. Carry out weeding in parallel so that weeds do not drown it.
- Mulching is necessary for everyone - this helps to improve the properties of the soil, prevents the evaporation of moisture from it and prevents the roots from overheating. Use sawdust, wood chips or peat.
- Trimming is carried out only if necessary (sanitary) and very carefully.
- Treatment with fungicidal and insecticidal drugs is necessary for prevention. In general, Japanese larch has excellent immunity.