Larix kaempferi Magic Gold - Japanese Larch

Larix kaempferi Magic Gold or Japanese Larch is a deciduous conifer with a dwarf form and stunning golden foliage. Over time, it forms a small, trailing bushy shrub, reaching 1.5m in all directions, with shorter branches towards the top. Its soft needles range from golden yellow to light green and are not prone to scorching, even when planted in full sun. It grows relatively quickly. This beautiful specimen received a gold medal at the GrootGroenPlus exhibition in the Netherlands in 2016. It can be planted in any garden, even small ones or on terraces. It is very hardy and prefers deep, well-drained, neutral to acidic soil and a sunny exposure.

The Japanese Larch, Larix kaempferi, also known as Larix leptolepis, is a large Japanese conifer with a conical habit that can reach a height of 30m. It has deciduous foliage and is native to the mountains of Hondo Island, at an altitude between 1,300 and 2,900m. However, it adapts very well to lowland cultivation in a cool, predominantly oceanic climate. It belongs to the pinaceae family, like pines, firs, and spruces. It is a species closely related to the European Larix decidua.

Larix kaempferi Magic Gold is a recent hybrid obtained in the Netherlands. After 10 years, it forms a shrub measuring 1.5m in all directions. Its growth is relatively fast for a larch. Its long, spreading branches are slightly trailing or erect, giving it a regular habit. The foliage, composed of soft, non-prickly needles, is a beautiful golden yellow colour, sometimes tinged with light green. These needles are densely arranged in rosettes on the branches. This larch does not change colour in autumn.

The Magic Gold Japanese Larch is appreciated in gardens for its ornamental qualities, its very bright foliage, and its easy maintenance. It is not demanding, but it is an interesting focal point with its soft foliage and elegant habit. It can be easily planted in small gardens or flower beds in front of the house. It can also be grown in a large pot to decorate a terrace or balcony. Its golden foliage appreciates the sun and does not mind it, as long as the soil is moist and well-drained. It particularly dislikes wet soils, which can be detrimental to its health. However, to establish well, it appreciates regular watering during the first two years after planting, especially during prolonged droughts. It can be paired with other conifers of different shapes and colours to create contrast. Its sculptural qualities make it an asset in minimalist, exotic, or Japanese-inspired settings, as well as in contemporary gardens where foliage and forms are celebrated. Pair it with more untamed grasses or pink heathers whose flowering provides a beautiful contrast to its golden colour. Add some yellow-flowering bulbs as a reminder of its foliage.

Note: Venice turpentine, derived from the sap of the larch, is used for its antiseptic properties and as a medium in oil painting for its enamel-like effect. The larch is an important producer of honeydew in high-altitude stands, known as the "manna of Briançon," which comes from the secretion of aphids (Cinara laricis) settled on the needles. Its reddish-brown wood, which is rot-resistant and has distinct tree rings, polishes beautifully, especially in mountainous subjects. This species remains useful in oceanic climates as it is resistant to canker.