What: The famous plant explorer Robert Fortune first saw this unusual conifer as a container plant in China. He introduced Pseudolarix amabilis into cultivation in 1854, and it has been highly regarded ever since. Golden larch (or false larch) is a relatively slow grower, preferring some shelter to best display its long, flattened, soft needles, which are bright pea-green in summer. Unlike most conifers, golden larch is deciduous. In autumn, the foliage changes to bright golden yellow. Older plants have an open, layered branching pattern that is very elegant. Pseudolarix amabilis produces upright, waxy green cones reminiscent of open rose flowers. Golden larch makes an excellent specimen tree; if you have room for a small grove, it would be breathtaking. Pseudolarix kaempferi is a synonym according to some botanists, the correct name to others. This species is the only one in its genus.
Where: This elegant but easy-to-grow tree thrives in rich, well-drained soil with full sun to light or open shade. Keep it out of exposed windy locations and hot spots.
Size: This pyramidal conifer grows to be 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide when mature.
Care: The larch needs regular summer watering to look its best. After the peak of color is reached, the needles drop quite quickly, making for easy and one-time clean up. Or the soft needles can be left in the bed to enrich the soil. Very little pruning is required; in fact, excessive pruning can easily ruin its interesting, layered branching habit. Consult an experienced pruner or take local classes before attempting to prune.
— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Picks
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