LARIX decidua ‘Puli’

LARIX decidua ‘Puli’ is a European larch, but with drooping branches and very slow growth. It has little in common with the type species. We call this an interesting plant for all seasons:

• In spring, it is a marvel, with its tender green young shoots associated with its bright red flowers.
• In summer, its dense foliage and its shape make it a real sculpture.
• In autumn, its foliage takes on magnificent copper colors.
• And finally, in winter, its very light bark and weeping shape make it just as attractive.

How to grow LARIX decidua ‘Puli’

This weeping European larch loves a place in the sun or in partial shade. It can be planted in a container, pot or in a bed. In pots or trays, it is of course necessary to ensure its watering. As for the soil, the LARIX decidua ‘Puli’ grows in any type of soil and accepts any pH.
This is a plant suitable for beginners and experienced gardeners.

History and origine

The LARIX decidua is native to Central Europe, in the Alps, the Carpathians (Central European mountain range) as well as the Pyrenees with lowland populations in northern Poland and southern Lithuania. It is also very present in Scandinavia.

Larch can reach 1000 years, even 2000 years for some. Most of the time, it is more like 200 years old.

The British have been cultivating this species since 1629. It is also widely cultivated in southern Canada and the northeastern USA. This larch has been naturalized in Maine, Michigan, New York and many other states in the United States of America. In the Appalachian Mountains, the Americans use it to reforest surface mines. LARIX decidua grows more easily in drier soils and tolerates warmer climates than LARIX laricina (endemic species of North America).

The wood of LARIX decidua is hard and durable, but also flexible when thinner. It is greatly appreciated in yacht construction. Posts are widely used for pasture fencing.

The European larch is one of the very popular species in Bonsai art.

Its seeds represent an important food for certain birds such as the siskin, lesser redpoll or citril finch.