Larix kaempferi ‘Stiff Weeping’

This is a real favourite on our Thurning ground for its year-round interest. In spring, it’s covered in soft, bright green needles, held in little clusters along the weeping branches. These stay a pleasant sea-green through summer before the whole tree puts on a final show, turning a brilliant golden-yellow in autumn. Even in winter, the bare, cascading branches create a strong architectural shape.

This is a slow-growing, compact tree. Its ultimate height depends on how it’s trained, but it typically reaches around 2 metres without support. It prefers a spot in full sun or very light shade and thrives in moist but well-drained fertile soil. It’s not keen on waterlogged ground, so good drainage is important.

Once it’s settled in, it’s a very low-maintenance plant. The RHS suggests no pruning is required, just let the branches weep naturally. It works wonderfully as a focal point in a lawn or border, and its shape is particularly effective when planted near a pond where its reflection adds another dimension.