Larix, Genus, kaempferi, Species, 'Pendula', Cultivar,
- Genus & species
- Cultivar
weeping Japanese larch
Cultivar of garden origin; species native to central Honshu, Japan
Overview
Larix kaempferi 'Pendula' is weeping Japanese larch, a top-grafted weeping DECIDUOUS conifer growing 8-15 feet (2.4-4.6 m) tall and 4-10 feet (1.2-3 m) wide. Blue-green soft needles in rosettes of 20-40 on cascading pendulous branches. Turns golden-yellow to orange-gold in fall before dropping. Pink to red-purple strobili in early spring. Brown cones with reflexed scales. In Pinaceae. Height depends on graft height and leader training. Four-season interest: spring strobili, summer foliage, golden fall color, winter sculptural skeleton. Intolerant of hot humid summers. Graft union vulnerable to ice damage. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 3-7. Full sun. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Cultivar of garden origin. Species native to central Honshu, Japan, in mountain forests at 4,000-9,000 feet (1,200-2,700 m).Suggested Uses
Grown as a weeping specimen tree for four-season interest, and in containers of at least 20 gallons (76 L), spaced 4-10 feet (1.2-3 m). Golden fall color. Sculptural winter form. Non-toxic. Zones 3-7.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8' - 15'
Width/Spread4' - 10'
Bloom Information
Early spring (March-April). Pink to red-purple female strobili along weeping branches before leaf-out. 2 weeks. Wind-pollinated. Brown cones 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) with reflexed scales follow.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink to red-purple female strobili in early spring before leaf-out; followed by small brown cones 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) with reflexed scales along the weeping branchesFoliage Description
Blue-green to gray-green, soft needle-like, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm), in rosettes of 20-40 on spur shoots along cascading pendulous branches; turns golden-yellow to orange-gold in fall before dropping — DECIDUOUS coniferGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6-12 hours). Well-drained soil pH 5.0-7.0. Medium water. Intolerant of hot humid summers. Stake and train a leader upward if taller form desired. Protect graft union from ice damage. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 3-7.Pruning
Prune in winter dormancy (January-February). Train a central leader upward if desired height exceeds graft height. Remove competing leaders. Minimal other pruning needed — the weeping form is the primary feature.Pruning Schedule
Prune: January–February
winter
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 20 gallons
