Weeping Larch

Fresh Spring Needles

Spring color doesn’t get any better than the new growth on a deciduous conifer.  As the needles emerge they are a bright clear lime green. In the fall they turn a golden yellow and drop to the ground.  This tree is a perfect specimen for a small garden bed and will display an interesting shape even with the needles gone in winter.  So rebellious, a deciduous conifer!  What’s next….. flowers?  It really is amazing the variety of colors that so many conifers come in.  Blue, yellow and all kinds of green.  The weeping larch has a lovely cascading habit.  The photo below shows it trained on a trellis up against a house, very impressive.  This is a tree worth remembering.

Just the Facts
Larix decidua ‘Pendula’ Weeping European Larch
8-12 feet tall and wide
Zones 3-6          Full Sun
Growth Rate Fast, Can take wet areas, Needs staking for shape.

A Beautiful Garden Tree
Climbing Larch Compliments of Studiogblog.com
Spring Larch Cones, Photo by Josh Sanborn
Spring Larch Cones, Photo by Josh Sanborn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 thoughts on “Weeping Larch

  1. I love larch trees. Their colours in spring and autumn are so wonderful. This weeping one would be lovely for a garden. 🙂

  2. Elaine, I love this tree and have been considering it for a semi-shade garden. I totally agree with you btw about the fresh growth of deciduous conifers. So soft, I just love to feel it when out in the garden. Do you think this larch tree could make it just getting 2-3 hours of morning sun? Here in the Intermountain West the sun is so hot that I feel many conifers can’t take full sun so I was thinking of half sun. Not sure though. If you have an opinion let me know… Thanks for the post!

    1. Hi Andrea, I did some reading from Michael Dirr who says this tree is intolerant of ‘shade, dry, shallow and chalky soils’. It needs sun! It’s probably best to find another spot for it, Elaine

  3. Hi! Our beautirul weeping Larch is over 15 yrs old! This summer is the first time it is showing a “browning” of the needles and I do not know what to do for it! Do you have any suggestions? I really hope that I am not loosing our Larch it is just the most interesting and beautiful plant in our entire garden….

    1. Hi Karen,
      Some larches are susceptible to fungal infections, such as needle cast, needle rust and canker. Do a google search with needle cast larix and you will see some photos as well as treatment. Removing infected foliage is a big deterrent to spreading fungal diseases. Good luck!
      Elaine

  4. Can it be planted near a house or concrete? Or will the needles burn. I live in zone 4-5 Wisconsin summers get pretty hot in August.

  5. I would venture a guess that it would be just fine with adequate irrigation. Take a clue from your neighbors, do you see any planted in your area? I hope it works out for you, it’s a beautiful conifer.
    Elaine

Leave a comment