Larix kaempferi Stiff Weeping - Larch

The Larix kaempferi ‘Stiff Weeping’ is a deciduous dwarf conifer, with a trailing habit that barely exceeds 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in height and 1 m (3 ft 4 in) in width. Its trailing branches are covered with bluish-green needles from spring to summer. It adorns itself with a magnificent golden hue in autumn, before revealing its pink-brown twigs in winter. With fairly rapid growth, it will be perfect in a small space, a flower bed, or as a standalone. Very hardy, it appreciates light, neutral to acidic, fresh soil, and a sunny exposure.

The Japanese larch, Larix kaempferi also known as Larix leptolepis is a large Japanese conifer with a conical habit that can reach 30 m (98 ft 5 in) in height, with deciduous foliage. It is native to the mountains of the Hondo Island, at an altitude between 1,300 to 2,900 m (4 ft 4 in to 9 ft 6 in), but it adapts very well to cultivation in the plains in cooler climates. It belongs to the pinaceae family, like pines, firs and spruces. It is a species very close to the European Larix decidua.

The Larix kaempheri ‘Stiff Weeping’ forms after 10 years a trailing bush of 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in height and 1 m (3 ft 4 in) in width. Its growth is quite fast for a larch. Its long ramified branches trailing down to the ground, offer a regular habit. From spring to summer, the foliage is generally bluish-green, composed of soft non-prickly needles. These are inserted in dense rosettes on the branches. This larch, like all others, takes on a magnificent golden hue in autumn. Covering its young stems, its beautiful old rose to pale brown bark is an additional asset in winter. Sometimes used as an ornament because of its rapid growth and blue foliage forms.

The Venice turpentine from the larch sap is used for its antiseptic properties but also as a medium in oil painting for its enamel effect. The larch is an important producer of honeydew in high-altitude stands, which, called the "manna of Briançon", comes from the secretion of aphids (Cinara laricis) installed on the needles. Its rot-resistant reddish-brown wood, with clear tree rings, offers a beautiful polish especially in montane individuals. This essential oil remains interesting in an oceanic climate, as it resists canker.

The 'Stiff Weeping' larch is a low-maintenance and very elegant conifer, easy to grow in a small garden, in a Japanese or exotic bed, as long as the soil remains quite fresh but drained and it is placed in a sunny exposure. It can also be adopted near an entrance, its narrow silhouette suits it well. It is also easily grown in a large pot to decorate the terrace or balcony. It will pair well with bushy or sprawling conifers. The real graphic qualities of conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes and textures to the waltz of flowerings. These plants permanently structure a bed, mark the paths, border the terrace, and easily substitute the strong presence of pruned boxwood. They associate with tousled grasses and heathers whose temperament is very complementary. The whole point is to play with volumes and colours. 

Advice : Water regularly during the first two years, and in cases of prolonged drought.