Larch in Melbourne

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one_bonsai
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Larch in Melbourne

Post by one_bonsai »

I have few larches that I'm ground growing. I really like them but I don't know if they're worth persisting with. They seem rather finicky. Just wondering if people have had success growing them in Melbourne.
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Re: Larch in Melbourne

Post by TimS »

I’ve had no luck at all with them here in the SE. Fine in the ground, but as soon as I try to get them into pots they head south quickly. I believe they dislike their roots being touched (more conifer like then deciduous) which likely explains my problems with them.

I have 3 young ones left in the ground, but I’ll probably just sell them off at some point in the future.
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Re: Larch in Melbourne

Post by Ryceman3 »

They need dormancy/cold temperatures in winter ... where I am in Melbourne wouldn't be cold enough to maintain a healthy Larch long term I believe, but I am inner city. Those further out, near the Dandenongs for example that get frosts and zero/negative overnight temps in winter (on a reasonably consistent basis) would probably have better luck with them.
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Re: Larch in Melbourne

Post by shibui »

I believe that Japanese larch is the most tolerant so that one may be worth trying. Most other species seem to go backwards in any but the coldest places in the hills.
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Re: Larch in Melbourne

Post by KIRKY »

I’m in Hawthorn, I have had no problem with mine however they are grown in the shade.
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Re: Larch in Melbourne

Post by one_bonsai »

KIRKY wrote: December 24th, 2019, 5:22 pm I have had no problem with mine however they are grown in the shade.

So in complete shade throughout the year?
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Re: Larch in Melbourne

Post by MJL »

I have one. It is very finicky.... I am having more luck this year in a position of morning sun and then shade but it’s not a tree that is flourishing .... not a fan but ...to be fair - a sample of one tree is of little value.


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Re: Larch in Melbourne

Post by KIRKY »

Pretty much. Mine get dappled shade in the morning full shade in the afternoon. The first one I had years ago was in full sun for about 3-4 and just died one year no rhyme or reason.
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Re: Larch in Melbourne

Post by Matthew »

Im down to my last one and lost about 70% of it last year to the prolong heat and dry. I suspect this year will do it in.
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