Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi)

Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) is a conifer that can grow higher than 15m tall and 3m – 8m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi).
This plant is commonly known as Japanese larch.
This is a deciduous plant that takes more than 50 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: Japanese larch
Scientific name: Larix kaempferi
Plant type: Conifers, Trees
Habit: Bushy
Height: Higher than 15m
Spread: 3m – 8m
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding
Seasonal colors
Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
---|---|---|---|---|
Spring | ||||
Summer | ||||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in clay, loam or sand.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Larix kaempferi likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) should be grown in full sun places.

Cultivation profiles – Growing Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) – AfroBrazilian: Aleksandrs Balodis, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons