Larix decidua Compacta
Larix decidua Compacta
Larix decidua Compacta
European Larch, Common Larch
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Available in 1 sizes
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Available in 1 sizes
This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty
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We guarantee the quality of our plants for a full growing cycle, and will replace at our expense any plant that fails to recover under normal climatic and planting conditions.
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Description
Larix decidua 'Compacta' is one of the few dwarf forms of European larch and is characterised by a rounded habit. This conifer is often grafted onto a stem to highlight its globular crown. Its non-prickly, deciduous foliage appears in spring, turning a beautiful golden yellow in autumn before falling. This small tree can be used as a centrepiece in small gardens or patios. It can also be showcased in a large container on a terrace.
The European larch, Larix decidua, is a large conifer that can reach 30 metres in height, with deciduous foliage. It is native to the mountains of central and southern Europe, where it is found at altitudes between 1400 and 2400 metres. It is a pioneer species capable of improving poor or degraded soils, with great hardiness (down to -40°C). Highly valued for its wood, it adapts very well to lowland cultivation. It belongs to the family Pinaceae, like pines, firs, and spruces. It is a very close species to the Japanese Larix kaempferi.
Larix decidua 'Compacta' reaches about 1 metre in height and 80 cm in width at the age of 10. It is grafted onto a stem 1.20 to 2 metres high, which serves as its trunk. Eventually, it forms a small "ball" tree measuring between 2 and 3 metres in height with a roughly equivalent spread. In spring, the branches are adorned with soft needle-like, bright light green foliage, which then turns dark green before becoming golden yellow in autumn. The needles are grouped in tufts composed of 35 to 40 on short branches. Covering its trunk, smooth grey bark becomes brownish-red and cracks into scales with age.
The 'Compacta' European larch is an architectural, undemanding small conifer, easy to cultivate as long as the soil does not dry out too much and it is in a sunny location. Its silhouette perfectly complements the clean lines of contemporary or French gardens. It can also be easily grown in pots to decorate the terrace or balcony. In the garden, enhance it by planting summer heathers (Calluna) at its base, a few painted Japanese painted ferns (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum), or Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra).
Tips: Water regularly during the first two years, and in prolonged drought. While it can tolerate periodically dry soil in cool climates, this conifer will be disappointing in Mediterranean climates, which are too dry and hot in summer.
Plant habit
Foliage
Planting and care
Larix decidua 'Compacta' is a bush that thrives in mountain climates and is sensitive to arid conditions and heat waves. It should be planted from September to November in well-drained soil that retains moisture, even if it is poor and not excessively chalky, in a sunny location. A mixture of coarse sand, peaty soil, and compost added to the garden soil will work well. If your soil is too heavy, a good trick is to plant your bush on a mound and mulch it with gravel. Water regularly during the first two years, especially during prolonged drought. Soak the root balls well before planting. This hardy conifer dislikes heavy, waterlogged soils. Pruning is not essential, but this conifer can be pruned to maintain or enhance its original habit in February-March.
Planting period
Intended location
Care
Planting & care advice
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Hardiness is the lowest winter temperature a plant can endure without suffering serious damage or even dying. However, hardiness is affected by location (a sheltered area, such as a patio), protection (winter cover) and soil type (hardiness is improved by well-drained soil).
In temperate climates, pruning of spring-flowering shrubs (forsythia, spireas, etc.) should be done just after flowering.
Pruning of summer-flowering shrubs (Indian Lilac, Perovskia, etc.) can be done in winter or spring.
In cold regions as well as with frost-sensitive plants, avoid pruning too early when severe frosts may still occur.
The harvesting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions in USDA zone 8 (France, England, Ireland, the Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...) fruit and vegetable harvests are likely to be delayed by 3-4 weeks.
In warmer areas (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), harvesting will probably take place earlier, depending on weather conditions.
The sowing periods indicated on our website apply to countries and regions within USDA Zone 8 (France, UK, Ireland, Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...), delay any outdoor sowing by 3-4 weeks, or sow under glass.
In warmer climes (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), bring outdoor sowing forward by a few weeks.
The planting period indicated on our website applies to regions in USDA Zone 9a (East Coast and Midlands: Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Portlaoise). It will vary depending on where you live:
- On the west coast and in the north-west (Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Donegal, Westport), delay planting by 1 to 2 weeks in spring and bring it forward by 1 to 2 weeks in autumn compared to the dates given, preferably choosing periods without strong winds.
- In the inland hills and plateaus (Wicklow Mountains, Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, Connemara, Killarney), it is best to plant in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October), avoiding periods of waterlogged soil in winter and strong winds, which pose the main risk to newly planted trees in these areas.
The flowering period indicated on our website applies to regions in USDA Zone 9a, such as the East Coast and Midlands, including Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny and Portlaoise.
This will vary depending on where you live:
- On the west coast and in the northwest (Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Donegal and Westport), it will be delayed by one to two weeks compared to the given dates, due to stronger Atlantic winds and less spring sunshine.
- In the inland hills and plateaus (the Wicklow Mountains, the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Connemara and Killarney), flowering will be delayed by two to three weeks. Flowering mainly occurs between May and July, with the limiting factors being less frost and more of the excessive humidity, strong winds and lack of sunshine that are characteristic of these areas.
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