- deciduous conifer
- related to Larix occidentalis, Western Larch
- grafted ornamental max. 13 ‘ tall x 10’ wide
- turns brilliant yellows, golds and rusts in October
- beautiful garden focal point
- combines well with ornamental grasses and Barberries
- deer resistant
In my part of the world, the southern Canadian Rockies, everyone knows the Larches. In the fall the mountain sides turn vibrant shades of yellows, rusts and oranges. The poplars turn bright yellow and the Larch contrasts with darker yellows, then rusts and orange. We even have a Larch Festival in Kimberley when a photography competition takes place.
It is not surprising, for this Show of the Larch warrants a festival. Getting out into the forest at this time of year is to witness a spectacular show. At one time people would refer to the trees as Tamaracks and a mall in Cranbrook is named after them. However Tamaracks are actually not the same as Western Larch and both are not the same as the tree featured. I featured Larix decidua ‘Pendula’ because most home owners do not have space to grow a Western Larch or Larix occidentalis, which can reach heights of 45m or 150′. The foliage of this deciduous evergreen behaves in the same way as the wild Western Larch and is a perfect choice for a city garden or smaller space.
The fine feathery needles of this larch are attractive all through spring, summer and fall. Its fresh almost lime green in spring to the gold of fall is a splendid addition to the garden.
If you look up Larix, you will quickly find there are many species many of which will grow in a zone three zone. Most, however are too big for the home garden or they require more limited soil and climatic conditions than we can easily provide in B.C. gardens.
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