Larix decidua Pendula

Larix decidua 'Pendula' is the most well-known weeping form of the European larch. This deciduous conifer has a more or less regular habit, with branches that drape down to the ground. In spring, it is covered in short needles of acidic green that stand out from afar, and the foliage darkens in summer. When autumn arrives, this tree resembles a fountain of gold. Winter reveals its architecture and tawny branches. Use this beautiful selection in Asian-inspired gardens, in moist soil.

The European larch, Larix decidua, is a tall tree that can reach a height of 30 m, belonging to the Pinaceae family, like firs, spruces, cedars, and pines. It is one of the few conifers, along with the bald cypress (Taxodium) and the metasequoia, whose deciduous foliage falls in autumn. It is native to the mountains of central and southern Europe, where it is found at altitudes between 1400 and 2400 m. It is a pioneer species capable of improving poor or degraded soils, with great hardiness (down to -40°C). Highly valued for its wood, it adapts very well to cultivation in lowland areas.
Larix decidua 'Pendula' is often confused with Larix kaempferi 'Pendula'. The easiest way to differentiate them is to examine the branches. Those of L. decidua are always a tawny brown, while those of L. kaempferi are rosy purple. This 'Pendula' cultivar, often grafted onto a tall stem, shows fairly rapid growth. Ultimately, depending on the growing conditions, it can reach a height of 6 to 8 m with a base spread of 3 to 4 m. It has a more or less wide or narrow habit, sometimes asymmetrical, often irregular. Its main branches are upright, but the secondary branches are arched and adorned with trailing branches. This branching pattern makes it interesting in winter when the wood is bare. In spring, the branches are adorned with tender, bright green, needle-like foliage, inserted in small tufts along the branches. The foliage darkens slightly during the growing season and then takes on beautiful yellow hues in autumn. This 'Pendula' form flowers and bears fruit in the same way as the species.
This extremely cold-hardy conifer is sensitive to drought and heat. Perfectly suited to mountainous regions, it will not thrive in much drier southern areas. Requiring almost no maintenance, light pruning will help maintain a beautiful shape.

Larix decidua 'Pendula' adds character to the garden, even if it is not very large. It naturally fits into a contemporary garden and will stand out in a Japanese-inspired setting. Plant Japanese grasses, Ophiopogons, or Liriopes at its base. In a more classic style, pair this weeping larch with classic evergreen conifers like thuja, common juniper 'Sentinel', weeping giant sequoia...