Digging deeperPlant Library

Weeping European Larch

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Other Names:  Common Larch

Description:

An unusual small accent shrub for the garden with a strongly weeping habit, usually grafted on a standard to a certain height; best used as a solitary (not in groups) or accent in a garden composition, will definitely draw the eye to it

Ornamental Features

Weeping European Larch is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its highly ornamental weeping form. It has rich green deciduous foliage which emerges light green in spring. The needle-like leaves turn an outstanding gold in the fall. The rough gray bark and gold branches add an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Weeping European Larch is a deciduous shrub with a strong central leader and a rounded form and gracefully weeping branches. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which can make it a great accent feature on this basis alone.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Weeping European Larch is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Weeping European Larch will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.