What Is a Weeping Larch?

A weeping larch (Larix decidua) is a deciduous ornamental tree with green needle-like foliage. It can be grown as a feature in the garden, including in tight spaces where there is limited room for large or elaborate plantings. Nurseries and garden supply stores may carry the plant or can special order it. Larger specimens tend to be more expensive, especially if they have been carefully pruned and trained to create a more desirable aesthetic appearance.

These trees prefer cool to temperate climates and do not tolerate heat well. While they tend to appreciate moderate watering, they can thrive in damp or soggy soil like that found near bogs. Full sun to part shade is recommended to keep the tree healthy, making it advisable to avoid planting a weeping larch under a larger tree unless it is carefully trimmed to keep the environment underneath light and airy. This species tolerates a broad soil pH range, though the weeping larch prefers slightly alkaline to slightly acidic conditions.

Branches of the weeping larch have a trailing growth habit, and may sprawl along the ground unless the tree is grafted on upright rootstock and carefully trained. As the tree develops, the branches and leaves will slowly droop downward, cascading over the side of the trunk. The needles are soft, appearing bright green in summer before yellowing and falling off. Small cones form in the fall and will eventually drop off as well, leaving bare branches.

This ornamental tree is sometimes used in Japanese-inspired gardens, where it can make a striking specimen. Weeping larches are readily trainable and can be grown with twisting trunks or forced into other interesting shapes to add visual interest to the garden. Some have foliage with a more bluish appearance which can be offset with careful background or border planting. They pair well with other conifers as well as deciduous trees like maples, along with ornamental grasses or arrangements of succulents and rocks.

If necessary, a weeping larch can be pruned in the spring months, before it has started to set new growth. This can help determine the shape and direction of growth. It can also be helpful to add a top dressing of fertilizer to promote healthy, even growth after the tree is pruned. Weeping larches are hardy, and should resist most pests and infections with fungi and other microorganisms. If a plant does start to appear diseased, it may be getting too much or not enough water or fertilizer.