Larix decidua Krejci - Larch

Larix decidua 'Krejci' is one of the few dwarf forms of the European larch (along with 'Little Bogle'). This deciduous conifer has an extremely twisted, somewhat anarchic habit, with branches orienting in all directions. In spring, they are covered with foliage made up of bright green needles, turning yellow in autumn. It is perfect in a rockery and lends itself well to the art of bonsai. This incredibly hardy variety is native to mountainous regions. It appreciates light and slightly moist soil, without too much limestone, even poor, as well as a sunny exposure.

The European larch, Larix decidua, is a tall conifer that can reach a height of 30m (98ft), with deciduous foliage that falls in autumn. It is native to the mountains of central and southern Europe, where it is found at an altitude between 1400 and 2400m (4593 and 7874ft). It is a pioneer species capable of improving poor or degraded soils, with a high hardiness (up to -40°C (-40°F)). Highly valued for its wood, it adapts very well to cultivation in lowland areas. It belongs to the Pinaceae family, like pines, firs, and spruces. It is a species closely related to the Japanese Larix kaempferi.

Larix decidua 'Krejci' forms a small, somewhat gangly bush after 10 years, about 1m (3ft) tall with a spread of 1.5m (5ft). Its branches are very twisted, giving it a somewhat ghostly appearance in winter. In spring, the branches are adorned with foliage of bright green tender needles, inserted in small irregular tufts along the branches. In autumn, they turn yellow like other European larches.

Extremely cold-resistant, this miniature conifer is, however, sensitive to drought. It should therefore be planted in moist, well-exposed sunny soil. Once these basic needs are met, it proves to be rather easy to cultivate, requiring almost no maintenance, except for some slight pruning to shape its habit.

More curious than truly decorative, this Larix will interest collectors and enthusiasts of plant rarities. Its unique habit will not go unnoticed and will allow it to find its place in a rockery, provided the soil is not dry, or in a contemporary garden. It can also be easily grown in a pot to decorate a patio or balcony. It can even be shaped into a bonsai.

This little larch can be the centrepiece of a bizarretum, a collection of woody plants with an eccentric appearance. It can be planted with Pinus parviflora 'Negishi', a Japanese white pine that shares its twisted appearance, but with an upright, conical habit and bluish-grey needles. Abies koreana 'Kohout's Icebreaker®', with its unusual appearance of curly young shoots exposing the white undersides of the needles, will also be a good companion for this little larch, as well as the rare Podocarpus lawrencii 'Blue Gem' with its spiky appearance.

Tips: Water regularly during the first two years, and in case of prolonged drought. While it can tolerate occasional dry soil in a cool climate, this conifer will be disappointing in a warm climate, which is too dry and too hot in summer.