Japanese larch Larix kaempferi comes from central Japan, where it grows on the slopes of high mountains and volcanoes. In 1861, this species was brought to Europe. Since then, many of its ornamental dwarf forms have been selected and introduced to cultivation.Most often, the domestic nurseries offer spherical varieties with an attractive bluish color of needles.In the case of tree-like varieties, the choice is smaller, but one of them - 'Diana' - is distinguished by extremely original, fancifully twisted shoots.
Selected in 1974 in Germany by G. D. Böhlje, 'Diana' is a small tree with a picturesque conical crown, growing much slower than the species - after 10 years of cultivation, it reaches 3-4 m in height. A characteristic feature of this variety are s-shaped twisted and twisted shoots, very rarely found in other conifers.Interestingly, young shoots are colored red, but the gray wax covering them makes them appear slightly pink.
In larch trees, including the 'Diana' variety, there is a diversification of long and short shoots. On the long shoots, the needles are arranged in a spiral and distant from each other, and on the long shoots, the needles are gathered into characteristic bunches. The needles, like the shoots, are slightly wavy, soft, flattened, pointed at the ends, but not pricking. Young needles are aquamarine, older needles are gray-green, and intensely yellow in autumn.
Japanese larch 'Diana' reaches maturity quite early.The flowers appear as the needles develop in the spring.Male flowers are gathered in short cats, and female flowers are in the form of small pink cones.The cones mature in the same year, they are spherical, composed of 45-60 scales. The seed scales are thin, strongly curved outwards and have a rolled up edge. Cones can stay on the twigs for several years.
Japanese larch 'Diana' is a variety resistant to frost and undemanding to soil. In addition, it shows a very high resistance to air pollution, so it can be successfully planted in cities and industrial districts.Perfect for small home gardens, which decorate all year round.Larch looks especially picturesque in winter, when snow sprinkles on its bent shoots.
