Larix kaempferi Diana - Larch

Larix kaempferi 'Diana' contorta, also known as contorted Japanese larch, is a deciduous conifer with a narrow and twisted pyramidal habit, adorned with fragrant and soft-to-the-touch foliage. Its twisted needles are a tender green with a bluish hue. They turn a flamboyant golden yellow in autumn. It is a small tree that naturally stands out when planted as a specimen. Very hardy. It prefers light, moist, non-calcareous soil, as well as a sunny exposure.

The Japanese larch, Larix kaempferi, also known as Larix leptolepis, is a large Japanese conifer with a conical habit and deciduous foliage. It is native to the mountains of the Hondo Island, at altitudes ranging from 1300 to 2900m (4265 to 9514ft), but it adapts very well to lowland cultivation in a rather cool oceanic climate. It belongs to the Pinaceae family, like pines, firs, and spruces. It is a very close relative of the European Larix decidua.

The 'Diana' variety forms a small tree with a narrow and pyramidal habit, reaching 2.25m (7ft) in height and 1.2m (4ft) in width after 10 years. Its growth is rather slow but faster than that of the European larch. At maturity, it can reach 6m (20ft) in height and 2.5m (8ft) in width, depending on growing conditions. This variety stands out for its trunk, branches, twigs, and needles which exhibit a completely unique twisted appearance. Its gracefully twisted, thick, and layered branches give it a very sculptural silhouette in winter. In spring, the twigs are adorned with tender water-green needle foliage, arranged in rosettes on the short twigs or individually on the long twigs. They later turn a magnificent golden yellow colour in autumn. They are grouped in tufts composed of 35 to 40 needles. The female cones are cylindrical and reddish, turning purple after fertilisation, and then light brown when ripe. The male cones, on the other hand, bear small round and yellow pollen sacs. A thin reddish-brown or orange-red bark covers the old branches. The bark cracks into scales with age.

The 'Diana' larch is a magnificent and unique conifer that is not demanding. It is easy to grow as a specimen, as long as the soil remains fairly moist and it is placed in a sunny position. It also blends well with geometric lines and masonry structures. The true sculptural qualities of conifers naturally come to the fore in the design of a contemporary garden, which favours the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over the fleeting appearance of blooms. These plants provide long-lasting structure to a flower bed. They can mark pathways and border patios, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood. They can be paired with unruly grasses and heathers, whose temperament is highly complementary. The key is to play with volumes and colours.

Tips: Water regularly during the first two years and in case of prolonged drought. It can tolerate occasional dry soil in a cool climate, but this conifer will disappoint in a climate with dry and hot summers.