Larix Kaempferi (Karamatsu or Japanese Larch)

The brightest and softest of green needles in the spring, maturing to a darker summer colour and finally a butter yellow in the autumn. This is a hardy tree from the mountains of central Honshu that can grow 30metres over 50 years, roughly conical in shape but with an open crown.

Happy in any soil - clay, loam or sand, acid, alkaline or neutral - in an exposed or sheltered position facing south or west. Easy.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.